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\YILL YOU HAVE SUPPERS’ 


The Young 
Continentals 
at Monmouth 

J>y 

John T. McIntyre 

Author of 

"TheYoung Continentals at Lexington" 
"The Young Continentals at Bunker Hill" 
"The Young Continentals at Trenton." 



Illustrated by Ralph L.Boyer. 

the Pern Publt/hiDg 
CompoDy Philadelphia 
MCMXIl 


COPyEIGHT 
1912 BY 
THE PENN 
PUBLISHING 
COMPANY 






CCI.A3J 4388 


Introduction 


Four sturdy young members of the Conti- 
nental Army are the chief characters in this 
story. Ben Cooper and Nat Brewster were 
from Pennsylvania. Ezra Prentiss and his 
twin brother George were from Massachusetts, 
The Young Continentals at Lexington/^ the 
first book of the series, was chiefly concerned 
with the adventures of Nat Brewster, although 
all of the four had a part in the stirring events 
in and around Boston at the beginning of the 
struggle for the independence of the American 
Colonies. They were all employed as couriers 
attached to headquarters, and carried mes- 
sages for Warren and Putnam, and later for 
the great general-in-chief, Washington. The 
second story, The Young Continentals at 
Bunker Hill,’^ told of the part played by Ezra 
Prentiss, assisted by his friends, and the third 
story, ‘‘The Young Continentals at Trenton,’' 
described some of the good services rendered 
by George Prentiss. This book tells the story 
3 


4 


INTRODUCTION 


of Ben Cooper at Princeton and in the dark 
period of Brandywine and Valley Forge, and 
ends with the victory at Monmouth, when 
Washington overcame not only his open 
enemies, but they of his own household/* 

All four books are true pictures of the days 
when even boys showed that they could be 
good patriots, and set an example of loyal, 
modest, faithful service that thousands of 
American boys are still glad to follow. 


Contents 


I. Tells How Mr. Tobias Hawkins 

Made the Acquaintance of Mr. 
Samuel Livingstone ... 9 

II. In Which Mr. Hawkins Utters a 

Threat ..... 22 

III. Shows How Ben Cooper Started 

Upon a Mission in the Early 
Dawn 46 

IV. How Good News Came to Trenton 65 

V. In Which an Army Crept Away in 
the Night and Fought the Bat- 
tle OF Princeton .... 78 

VI. Tells How Ben Cooper Encountered 

THE Man With the Yellow Smile 95 

VII. In Which the Hostler Sees Two 

Shadows in the Road . . .110 

Vlll. Shows How Ben Cooper Went Forth 
Into the Night and What Dis- 
covery He Made by the Wayside 124 

IX. Deals With the Arrival of Gil- 
bert Motier, Marquis de Laf- 
ayette ...... 140 

X. Shows How the Fight at Brandy- 
wine Was Lost, and How Ben 
Bore the Tidings to Philadelphia 159 
6 


6 


CONTENTS 


XL 

XII. 

XIII. 

XIV. 
XV. 


XVI. 

XVII. 

XVIII. 

XIX. 

XX. 

XXL 


Tells How Ben Cooper Listened to 
Some Astonishing Revelations 

How Storm-Stayed Guests Came to 
THE Inn at Rising Sun . 

Shows the Bargain That Was 
Struck, by Tobias Hawkins and 
His Friend . . . . . 

How Ben and Paddy Burk Made 
Away From the House of Danger 


Tells of Much Fighting, and Also 
How Johnson Quinsey Made His 
Appearance . . . . . 


In Which Ben Meets a Stranger 
and Hears of the Inn With the 
Green Light . . . . 

How Ben and His Friend Paused at 
“ The Crossed Keys ” . 


Shows How Molly Hayes and a 
Kettle of Scalding Water Play 
Their Parts . . . . . 

In Which Ben Receives a Letter 
and Rides Toward York 

Tells How Lafayette Astonished 
General Gates . . . , 

In Which the Battle of Monmouth 
IS Lost and Won .... 


177 

191 

209 

223 

231 

251 

267 

278 

293 

308 


321 


Illustrations 


PAGE 

“ Will You Have Supper ? ” . . , Frontispiece 

“This Is Your Friend Robert Morris ” . 54 

“ You Saw Something, Then ? ” . . . 119^^ 

Lafayette was Face to P'ace with Wash- 
ington 156'/" 

The Men Shrank A Little .... 213 

“I Am Wanted at Headquarters” . . 252/ 

“ Bravo, Molly Pitcher ” . . . . 326 " 


The Young Continentals at Monmouth. 


7 


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I 


The Young Continentals 
at Monmouth 


CHAPTER I 

TELLS HOW MR. TOBIAS HAWKINS MADE THE 
ACQUAINTANCE OP MR. SAMUEL LIVINGSTONE 

“ Do you know what to-morrow will be, 
Ben Cooper?^’ 

The speaker was a dwarfish looking lad 
whose big head and upstanding crest of hair 
gave him a most curious appearance. 

To-morrow,” replied the second boy, 
promptly, “ will be New Year’s day.” 

The dwarf shifted his leather belt so that 
his huge service pistol might hang more com- 
fortably ; and his voice, when he spoke again, 
contained a note of complaint. 

It will be that, to be sure ; but it will also 
be just one week since Washington crossed 
the Delaware and beat the Hessians.” 

The eyes of the other boy sparkled. 

9 


10 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 


“ Ah, that was the night,” he cried. 
‘‘There, indeed, was sport, excitement and 
glory.” 

The dwarf shook his large head. 

“ For you and for Nat and the others,” pro- 
tested he. “ But not for me. While you 
were all having your fill of fighting, I was 
away in Philadelphia, riding here and there, 
at the beck and call of a parcel of excited 
committeemen.” 

Ben Cooper’s good-natured face was all 
a-wrinkle with smiles. 

“Don’t worry. Porcupine,” he said. “The 
war is not over as yet, by a good deal. They 
say Cornwallis is on his way across the Jerse3’s, 
and as he’s the best fighter the British have, 
we may expect plenty of warm work still.” 

It was late in the afternoon ; the pale win- 
try sun was dipping slowly toward the cluster 
of peaked roofs which marked the location of 
Philadelphia ; the snow-packed road with its 
topping of ice went stretching ahead like a 
gleaming serpent. 

“ We will reach there before sundown,” 
said Ben, his eye upon the housetops as 
though marking the sun’s position. “ And I 


MR. TOBIAS HAWKINS 


11 


trust that we find Mr. Morris at home, for I 
fancy that the general’s dispatches are some- 
what urgent.” 

The general’s dispatches to Mr. Robert 
Morris are always urgent,” said the Porcupine. 
** I have carried more than one of them, and 
I know. And I have carried them for other 
officers and gentlemen in and out of the 
army.” 

Merchant Morris seems a most important 
person,” smiled Ben. 

The Porcupine brushed his crest of hair 
more stiffiy erect than ever. 

** Is it any wonder that he is ? ” said he. “ I 
don’t know much about the ways of people 
of quality, but I do know that without Mas- 
ter Morris there would be little money with 
which to feed and pay the troops.” 

He is very rich, I hear.” 

“I have heard so too. And then, again, I 
have heard that he has not much more than 
enough.” 

Ben nodded. 

“ But,” said he, he has the power to raise 
funds. He seems to know by instinct the 
way to hidden hordes. And somehow, he 


12 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 


knows the magic word which causes the 
hoarders to unlock the treasure chests. Con- 
gress, I think, has much to thank Merchant 
Morris for.^^ 

Ben touched his horse with the spur, and it 
responded instantly. It was a clean built 
animal whose small head and slim, powerful 
legs indicated Arab blood. The Porcupine’s 
mount was a tall, raw-boned beast, sway- 
backed and with a wicked eye ; but it evi- 
dently had bottom, for with a long, awkward 
stride it easily kept him at the side of his 
friend. 

As they entered the suburbs, the drifted 
road gave way to the clearer streets ; and when 
they entered the city proper, they found 
Second Street bare of snow, but with stones 
ice-coated and glistening. 

Front Street will not be so bad,” spoke 
Ben ; “ there is never so much traffic there, 
and the snow will still be untrodden.” 

They turned Sassafras Street and into 
Front ; and when nearing Arch they caught 
the gleam of arms and uniforms, and saw 
the townspeople scurrying along as though 
attracted by something unusual. When they 


MR, TOBIAS HAWKINS 


13 


reached the market-place at the foot of 
High Street, the two boys saw the reason for 
this. Along Front Street was drawn a force 
of Continental troops, and under their watch- 
ful eyes was a rabble of unshaven, tattered, 
dispirited looking men to the number of 
several thousands. 

Hello,” spoke the Porcupine, surprisedly, 
as he looked over the heads of the crowd from 
the back of his tall steed ; “ and who are 
these ? ” 

** Our friends, the Hessians, captured at 
Trenton,” replied Ben Cooper. I heard that 
the greater part of them were being sent west- 
ward to Lancaster or York for safe keeping. 
And they seem to have just reached Philadel- 
phia.” 

The ragged wretches stood in long lines, 
gazing stupidly at their captors and at the 
curious throngs. And that these could be the 
mercenaries who had spread terror through 
the Jerseys seemed impossible. 

A perky looking little man, standing upon 
tiptoe to get a glimpse of the captives, ex- 
claimed in a high-pitched, astonished voice : 

And are these really the hirelings of 


14 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

whom we have heard so much I Why, they 
look like common vagabonds/’ 

A plethoric gentleman in a huge waistcoat 
and steel buckles seemed to grow even more 
expansive with indignation. 

‘‘ The idea,” he panted. The bare idea of 
such vermin spreading fear through an entire 
state. And the idea of our statesmen and our 
generals and our soldiers permitting it.” 

The perky man nodded and settled back 
upon his heels. 

“ What you say, sir, is proper and correct,” 
agreed he. “ 1 am quite amazed that such a 
condition of affairs has been permitted to con- 
tinue for so long.” 

A lot of scurvy ruffians,” stated the 
plethoric gentleman, wrathfully. A gather- 
ing of mean, low fellows without a shred of 
ambition, or the slightest appearance of manly 
bearing. You do well, sir,” to the perky 
gentleman, to be amazed. No such thing 
would have been permitted in any other 
nation under the sun.” 

Ben glanced at the Porcupine, and his good- 
humored eyes were filled with laughter. 

“ It is easy to see,” said he, '‘that neither of 


MR. TOBIAS HAWKINS 


15 


our friends here has been where the Hessians 
ranged with their muskets in their hands. 
These/^ and he nodded toward the wretched 
array of foreigners, “ do present an uncom- 
monly ill-favored appearance ; but properly 
uniformed, officered and armed, they were as 
formidable troops as were in all of Howe’s 
army.” 

Close at the elbow of the plethoric gentle- 
man stood a tall man with prominent features 
and great square shoulders. He was richly 
dressed and carried himself with the air of a 
person of consequence. 

“ Sir,” said he to the stout man, what you 
have just said I agree with as heartily as our 
friend here,” bowing to the perky man. ‘‘ It 
is a shame and a scandal that our army should 
have allowed these wretched Dutchmen to 
hold them so long in check. To be sure,” and 
he gestured with one hand in a scornful 
fashion, “ they have been beaten and taken. 
But it should have happened long ago. It 
should have been done promptly and out of 
hand. It would seem to me,” confidentially, 
** that our military leaders are not all that 
they should be.” 


i6 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 


“ Sir/* said the other, ** you have expressed 
my sentiments precisely. I could not have 
spoken them in more fitting terms. Our 
officers are not what they should be. They 
are far from it, as they have proven a 
dozen times, since the fighting began at New 
York.** 

Congress is at fault,** spoke the perky man. 

They should see to it that we are provided 
with competent gentlemen to conduct our 
military enterprises.** 

The plethoric gentleman seemed to agree 
with this statement unqualifiedly. But the 
tall man shook his head. 

Congress,** said he, is a much harassed 
body. It has a great deal to do, and no great 
amount of experience to guide it. But for 
the greater part it does very well indeed. 
There are gentlemen belonging to it,** with 
a lowered tone, and a series of knowing 
nods, who would readily replace a certain 
person if they could.** 

The plethoric one contented himself with 
puffing his cheeks and assuming a look of 
much sagacity. It was the perky man who 
spoke. 


MR. TOBIAS HAWKINS 


17 


“ I have heard/’ said he, his head at one 
side, like that of an inquisitive bird, “ that 
Washington is not greatly in favor with some 
of the members of Congress. Of course,” 
and the inquisitive cock of the head grew 
more pronounced, “ it is he you mean.” 

But the tall man closed his lips tightly, and 
shook his head after the manner of one who 
disliked committing himself. It was the stout 
man who spoke. 

“ The naming of names,” said he, with 
heavy wisdom, “ is sometimes to be avoided ; 
and this is one of the times. Gentlemen can 
carry on an intelligent conversation without 
placing themselves on record in matters of 
delicacy ; and in this way important matters 
can be kept from becoming things of com- 
mon gossip.” 

Properly rebuked, the perky man gave his 
attention once more to the captive mercenaries, 
while the speaker continued, addressing the 
tall man, in a guarded tone : 

It is a matter of wonderment with me 
how people can have so little consideration as 
to discuss private matters of state in the hear- 
ing of every Tom, Dick and Harry. It is 


i8 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 


an almo&t criminal propensity, believe me, 
sir ; and I always discountenance it when I 
have the opportunity.’^ 

The other nodded, with gravity. 

“ It is a common failing,” said he, ** and I 
have little doubt but what it has occasioned 
more trouble in the public’s affairs than any 
of us have any knowlege of. And I am glad 
indeed to meet with a gentleman who is so 
careful of the general weal ; it is a rare occasion, 
sir ; more’s the pity.” 

The large man took out a silver snuff-box, 
his great face growing more mottled than 
originally ; offering the box to the other, he 
said in a tone of much gratification : 

Sir, I should be exceedingly pleased with 
your acquaintance.” 

The tall man took a pinch of the proffered 
snuff; and as he dusted the remaining grains 
from his finger-tips, he made reply : 

” Sir, you are very good. My name is 
Hawkins — Tobias Hawkins — and I am lately 
arrived from Savannah, in Georgia, where I 
have some shipping enterprises.” 

“ I thank 3^ou,” said the plethoric man, 
with ponderous politeness. He took a com- 


MR. TOBIAS HAWKINS 


19 

panionable pinch, restored the box to one of the 
huge pockets of his waistcoat, and went on : “ I 
ana Samuel Livingstone, merchant and trader 
in West India goods. And it gives me much 
pleasure, Master Hawkins, to know you.'' 

The two had fallen into a most earnest 
conversation upon the condition of trade and 
public affairs when a drum began to tap, and 
the long lines of American troops and bedrag- 
gled Germans fell into column ; then at the 
word of command they went marching away 
southward. 

As the crowd dispersed, Ben Cooper did not 
immediately turn his horse's head up High 
Street, as the Porcupine evidently expected 
him to do ; instead, he sat motionless in his 
saddle watching the retreating forms of Messrs. 
Samuel Livingstone and Tobias Hawkins. 
When he did finally give his rein a shake as a 
signal to his mount, the curious, speculative 
expression upon his face did not lessen. And 
as he turned into Second Street once more, he 
said: 

“ Do you know, that was a rather queer 
thing." 

The Porcupine had noticed his manner, 


20 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 


but had made no comment ; now, however, he 
asked : 

What do you mean ? 

Why, the conduct of Mr. Tobias Hawkins, 
as he called himself. Did you notice him ? ” 

The dwarf nodded. 

And rather a wide-awake sort, I thought 
him,” said he. “ But I did not see anything 
queer in him. Very even, and much like a 
gentleman.” 

But Ben shook his head. 

I don’t mean in that respect. He ap- 
peared to be all you say, but at the same time 

there was a something ” he paused as 

though uncertain for a moment, then went on 
with thoughtful face. To all appearance his 
meeting with Merchant Livingstone was pure 
accident.” 

The Porcupine opened his eyes wide. 

** What?” demanded he. And was it not 
so?” 

I think not,” replied Ben. ‘‘ Rather, I 
am inclined to believe that it was a cunningly 
devised plan. I scarcely know what makes 
me think so, but Hawkins purposed making 
acquaintance of Mr. Livingstone before he 


MR. TOBIAS HAWKINS 


21 


spoke to him ; and so expertly did he contrive 
matters that he^s made it appear that it was 
Mr. Livingstone who sought him.^^ 

“ Why, it may be so,^^ said the dwarf. 

These traders have very curious ways, I’ve 
heard. But, in any event, it makes no 
difference. We are not at all interested in 
their doings.” 

“ I don’t know,” said young Cooper, gravely. 

If the matter which Mr. Hawkins has in 
mind is commercial, of course we are not ; 
but,” and he turned his head as though to get 
a fresh sight of the gentlemen in question, ‘‘ if 
it is something else, perhaps it may turn out 
that we are.” 


CHAPTER II 


IN WHICH MR. HAWKINS UTTERS A THREAT 

The Porcupine was still turning over the 
odd remarks of his companion, when they 
pulled up at that famous hostelry of Revolu- 
tionary days, “ The City Tavern.” In the 
inn yard, Ben, looking down from his saddle, 
inquired of a hostler who had come to take 
their mounts : 

Can you tell me where Mr. Robert Morris 
lives? ” 

Do you mean the merchant, Morris ? ” 
asked the man. 

Yes.” 

“ You will find his house on Chestnut 
Street, near to Seventh,” directed the man. 

They dismounted, and saw to it that their 
horses would be cleaned, fed and bedded ; 
after this they went into the tavern and 
bespoke lodgings for themselves. 

“ And will you have supper also, gentle- 
22 


A THREAT 


23 


men ? ** smiled the landlord. ** Piping hot it 
will be, the very sort for a damp, chilly even- 
ing like this. Taken in a snug, warm room, 
I can conceive of nothing more inviting.’* 

Ben laughed. He and the landlord were 
old acquaintances, and the lad knew his 
ways. 

“ Why,” spoke Ben, ** if your supper and 
your rooms were only half as enticing as your 
manner of speaking of them, they would be 
the most desired things in all Philadelphia. 
However, we will put both of them to the test 
in a very little while. I have a message to 
deliver, and then we shall try whether or no 
you can prove what you say.” 

In a very short time Ben, having left the 
Porcupine behind, arrived at the house of 
Robert Morris and sounded the heavy brass 
knocker. A thin-shouldered woman in a 
white cap came to the door and replied to his 
questions. 

“No,** she said, “ Mr. Morris is not at home. 
Indeed, he will not be home until late, by all 
accounts, for I’ve heard it said that he’ll sup 
to-night at one of the taverns with some 
friends.” 


24 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

“ My business is important/^ said Ben. 

Can you tell me at which of the taverns he 
will be ? 

But the woman shook her head. 

No/^ she said. “ I am sorry, young gentle- 
man, but I cannot.^^ 

Ben considered for a moment. 

Will you oblige me with a pen full of ink 
and a slip of paper ? ” he asked. 

Thereupon the woman invited him to walk 
in ; in the wide hall he was provided with the 
desired articles, and so wrote a few lines ex- 
plaining who he was and the nature of his 
errand. The note he gave to the woman. 

I shall return between this and midnight,^' 
he said. ** Mr. Morris will, no doubt, have 
returned by then.^^ 

Oh, yes, sir,’^ replied the woman, earnestly. 
“He will be sure to be home by then. And 
I will give him your message as soon as he 
comes.’^ 

The evening was a brisk one ; the moon was 
coming up clearly, the air was tingling with 
cold, and the lad^s spurs jangled upon the 
flags as he stepped buoyantly along. 

“ This is the sort of weather that makes one 


A THREAT 


25 


feel like undertaking some enterprise/^ he 
told himself, his spirits rising with every step 
he took. If it is the same in the neighbor- 
hood of Trenton, I should not be surprised to 
shortly hear that the general has set out again 
upon another venture against the British.’^ 

He stepped jauntily into the coffee room of 
the tavern ; the candles were lighted, the 
curtains were drawn at the small paned 
windows and a heap of logs crackled in a 
huge fireplace. Before this sat the Porcupine 
upon a stool, his short legs crossed one upon 
another and deeply engaged in a conversation 
with — of all persons in the world — Mr. Tobias 
Hawkins. 

Mr. Hawkins stood with one foot upon the 
fender, and one elbow upon the mantel ; he 
looked very stalwart and very handsome as 
he gazed laughingly down at the dwarf, and 
seemed very much amused at something which 
the latter had said. 

“ And so,’^ remarked he, to the high admi- 
ration of some serving maids, and other 
attaches of the inn, you are a patriot, are 
you ? ’’ 

I am,^^ replied the Porcupine, as cool as 


26 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 


you please, and I try to act up to the way I 
think.” 

“ Excellent I ” cried Mr. Hawkins. ** Ex- 
cellent, indeed ! A patriot who tries to put 
his opinions into acts I Why, this is a 
prodigy I If all patriots were of your kidney, 
my fine fellow, belike we’d have more deeds 
than words.” He ran his fingers through his 
coarse, luxuriant hair, and his eye challenged 
the mirth of a few guests supping at the round 
tables. But come,” he added, let us hear 
what form your actions took.” 

What other form could they take but 
good blows ? ” quoth the Porcupine, sagely. 

What other form would be understood in 
these times but hard knocks? ” 

The mirth of Hawkins filled the room ; the 
titters of the servant maids and the grins 
of the waiters showed their entertainment ; 
broad smiles were on the faces of the guests 
who had heard the dwarfs words. 

And do you mean to tell me that you de- 
livered the good blows you speak of?” de- 
manded Hawkins. And the hard knocks ? 
Surely, the foe must have trembled when he 
saw you preparing for the fight.” 


A THREAT 


27 


** If inches won battles, then the British 
would never lose one,” stated the Porcupine, 
calmly. Their beef-eaters are each as big as 
two men.” With a comical gesture he hitched 
his belt about and brought the huge pistol 
which he still carried into plain view. The 
little fellow can shoot as straight as the big 
one,” he added ; and, sometimes, better.” 

Ah,” said Tobias Hawkins, and he stared 
with interest at the weapon, which he now 
apparently noted for the first time. “ I see.” 
There was a pause during which he examined 
the dwarf with amused unbelief ; then he in- 
quired : And where, may I be permitted to 
ask, has the excellence of your aim been called 
into play ? ” 

** At Lexington,” replied the Porcupine, 
with never a wrinkle of his countenance ; 

also at Bunker Hill ; and again in some less 
important affairs about the town of Boston.” 

There was something about the simplicity 
of this answer that drove the smiles from the 
faces turned toward the speaker. The unbe- 
lieving amusement in the face of Hawkins, 
however, remained. 

“ I see,” said he, that you are a person 


28 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 


who has seen service. Mayhap, you were also 
a partaker in the matter at Trenton, a few 
weeks ago.'’ 

I had no such good luck," replied the 
Porcupine, moodily. ‘‘ By all right I should 
have been there ; but some folks need a great 
deal of scurrying to keep them at rest, and so 
I must be riding here and there for them, de- 
livering letters filled with nothing when I 
might have been of some real service beyond 
the river." 

There was no laughter or grinning at this ; 
even Hawkins seemed to have concluded that 
he had exhausted the dwarfs humorous pos- 
sibilities, for he yawned and said : 

Ah, well, you take yourself seriously 
enough. I'll say that for you, my lad. But, 
then, it is as well that you do so, for you'll 
find as you progress through life that others 
will not go far out of their way to do the like." 
And with this the man turned away, calling 
to the host : “ Landlord, have not my friends 
arrived ? " 

No, Mr. Hawkins, not ^^-et, sir. It is a 
trifle early, I think. You said eight o'clock, 
and it is not much after seven." 


A THREAT 


29 


Hawkins looked at a huge silver watch and 
replaced it in his pocket with a frown. Ben 
noticed this with a smile. 

Some/^ thought the lad, to have noted 
him a few moments ago, would have fancied 
him a chap of rare wit and good nature. But 
it was only while trying to hold up another 
to ridicule. Now that the point of his wit 
has been turned, he is ill-tempered enough. 

Hawkins paced the floor of the coffee room 
impatiently. Ben and the Porcupine ordered 
and ate their supper at a table near the Are. 

“ A beefsteak pie,’^ remarked the dwarf, ^^is 
a dish not to be ill considered. I know of 
nothing that affords a hungry stomach more 
satisfaction.’^ 

Ben watched the blaze dart up the huge 
throat of the chimney ; the logs crackled and 
the fire roared ; the boy stretched his booted 
legs out toward it with a sigh. 

** After a long day on the road,” said he, ** the 
fire is as good as the food. And,” with a glance 
around, “ the room is as satisfying as either.” 

It was some little time since they had sat 
down to their meal, and quite a number of 
persons had come and gone. So when Ben 


30 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

cast his eyes about it is not at all surprising 
that he should notice some of the newcomers. 
Suddenly he sat erect. 

“ Hello I said he. 

What now ? asked the Porcupine. 

‘‘ I see that one of Mr. Hawkins’ friends has 
arrived.” 

The dwarf screwed his head around so that 
he might see ; and when he had done so he 
whistled lowly. 

Merchant Livingstone I ” said he. So 
they are to sup together.” 

Friend Hawkins does not lag in the mat- 
ter of clinching his friendships,” smiled Ben. 
** Look at him. One would fancy that he’d 
been in touch with the other all his life.” 

The two mentioned were seated at a table 
no great distance away ; their heads were bent 
close together, and Hawkins was speaking 
earnestly and in a rather lowered voice. 

Of course,” he said, ** it would not do, as 
I already remarked to-day, to speak too 
openly upon certain subjects. But they can 
be discussed guardedly and with circumspec- 
tion, and so do no general harm.” 

Yes, yes,” said Mr. Livingstone, eagerly. 


A THREAT 


31 

** I understand and thoroughly appreciate 
your standpoint. But/^ and his head went 
nearer to that of his new friend, are there 
actually steps being taken to — to oust, so to 
speak — a certain person ? ” 

Hawkins waved one large, well-kept hand. 

My dear sir,’’ said he, “ it is entirely too 
early to expect such definite things as ‘ steps ’ 
in the matter. At most, it is but under con- 
sideration.” 

” Ah, I see.” Mr. Livingstone nodded his 
head wisely. No steps have been taken, 
but the matter is being considered.” There 
was a pause of a few moments, then he added 
with a resumption of his former eagerness : 
** Can you tell me, is the thing being well 
considered ? ” 

Hawkins shook his head gravely. 

“ That is all I can say at this time. The 
matter came to me quite in the way of an ac- 
cident, and I passed my word as a gentleman 
to keep silent regarding it.” 

” To be sure, to be sure,” said Merchant 
Livingstone, hastily. ” And quite right, too, 
sir. It were best that the utmost privacy be 
exercised in such things.” 


32 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

The speaker sat staring ponderously, straight 
before him, his great face solemn and ap- 
proving. There was a silence between them 
and it was Hawkins who finally broke it. 

You were to have a friend to sup with you, 
were you not ? 

‘‘ Two of them,** answered Livingstone. 

That is why I so strongly urged you to 
come. I desired you to meet them, for they 
are persons of consequence in Philadelphia — 
yes, and in the nation, too, for the matter of 
that.** 

Hawkins nodded, but said nothing. Ben 
watching him, curiously, saw an expectant 
look in his eyes. 

However,** continued Merchant Living- 
stone, only one of them will attend. But 
he is a fine fellow, and I*m sure you will be 
delighted with him.** 

“ Who is it ? ** asked Hawkins. 

At this moment there was a clatter of 
crockery at the far side of the coffee room, one 
of the waiters having met with a mishap. 
Ben could not catch the name spoken by the 
fat merchant, but Hawkins apparently heard 
it, for his face lit up suddenly ; and for an 


A THREAT 


33 

instant the boy felt sure there was exultation 
in his eyes. 

Why/' said the man, and his tones showed 
only mild interest, “ I am quite charmed. I 
did not expect to meet so famous a personage 
during my stay in your city." 

“ I have many friends, both in commercial 
and public life," said the fat merchant, com- 
placently. And before you leave for the 
South I shall take much pleasure in presenting 
you to them." 

Here followed a great deal of talk regarding 
Mr. Livingstone's friends ; Ben, as he idly 
listened, noted that now and then the interest 
of Hawkins was aroused at the mention of 
certain names ; but for the most part the man 
made no sign. 

All this time the Porcupine, who sat with 
his back to the two men, had been studying 
Ben. And when he noted a flagging of the 
latter's interest, he spoke. 

It seems to me," said he, that you have 
been mightily taken by those two." 

Ben smiled good-humoredly; and yet there 
was a grave expression in his eyes. 

By one of them only," he corrected. 


34 the young continentals 

** And that is Master Hawkins/’ said the 
dwarf. 

Ben nodded. 

'‘But why?” asked the other, curiously. 
" Have you ever seen him before to-day ? 
What has he done that you should be so 
interested in him ? ” 

Ben made no reply for a few moments; and 
when he did speak his voice was low and 
troubled. 

" I don’t know just why I am so interested 
in him,” he replied. “ I have never seen him 
before to-day ; and it is not anything which 
he has done which attracts me; it is,” vaguely, 
" what he may be about to do.” 

The Porcupine looked astonished. 

" What he may be about to do,” repeated 
he. " Well, now we have a dealing in mys- 
teries, indeed I And what do you think he 
may be about to do ? ” 

But Ben Cooper shook his head. 

" I don’t know. It is not definite enough for 
me to give it a name. I have a sort of pre- 
sentiment that harm is to come through him ; 
that is all I can make out of it.” 

The dwarf sat in silence, trying to under- 


A THREAT 


35 

stand this. He brushed his stiff crest of hair 
more erect, wrinkled his brows and stared at 
his friend ; but, apparently, he could make 
nothing of it all. And while he was so en- 
gaged a somewhat stout man, with a round 
face and shrewd eyes, came into the coffee 
room. It was the landlord who hastened 
forward to relieve him of his cloak and three 
cornered hat. 

“ Hah I ” said the round-faced man as he 
stamped upon the hearth to warm his feet, 
it keeps cold, landlord.^’ He unwound a 
great length of woolen comforter from about 
his neck and then rubbed his hands briskly 
together before the blaze. But then, what 
else would we have for a New Year’s Eve? ” 
Seemingly the gentleman was the one whom 
Merchant Livingstone expected, for that honest 
man greeted him warmly and presented 
Hawkins. Again in the whirl of words did 
Ben lose the name. 

“ I am right glad to meet Master Hawkins,” 
said the newcomer. “ I do not recollect any 
one in Savannah of the name with whom my 
firm has had dealings ; but then,” with a 
laugh, ‘‘ I do not profess to recall them all.” 


36 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

We have never had the pleasure of any 
transactions with your house, sir,’’ said Tobias 
Hawkins, smoothly. Our trade is mostly 
importations from the islands, and gulf points. 
Spanish goods, and Portuguese, too, we import 
in foreign bottoms, for such are largely de- 
manded by the ports along the gulf and south 
coast.” 

Their supper was served to them, and the 
three fell to with hearty appetites ; but the 
meal had not progressed far when Master 
Livingstone again fell to talking politics. 

I cannot express my gratification,” he said, 
at seeing so excellent a patriot as our friend 
Hawkins coming from so youthful a province 
as Georgia. It shows, it seems to me, that 
the spark of patriotism is wide-spread ; and 
this being the case, it cannot but help gaining 
headway as time goes on.” 

The round-faced gentleman nodded. 

That,” said he, is my own way of looking 
at it. And patriotism alone is what will keep 
the war against tyranny moving. It will fill 
the ranks of the army, it will provide money 
to pay the troops, it will keep competent 
commanders in the field.” 


A THREAT 


37 

Master Livingstone glanced at Tobias 
Hawkins, and that gentleman nodded his 
head and pursed up his lips. What he 
meant by this was an enigma, but to the 
mind of the fat merchant, it was simple 
enough. 

“ Ah,^^ said that worthy, ^‘in that last remark 
you put your finger upon the vital point of 
this struggle, sir. Pure patriotism alone will 
supply competent commanders to lead our 
troops. But the patriots should be careful. 
They should make sure that the commanders 
fixed upon are competent.’^ 

For a moment there was a silence ; then 
the round-faced man said : 

“ There is a tang to your voice. Neighbor 
Livingstone, that would lead one to suppose 
that you doubt the ability of the army's 
leaders." 

For a moment the other merchant stam- 
mered ; his great face became mottled with 
agitation ; and when he finally found his 
tongue, he said : 

Of course, I have no military skill, and do 
not profess to be a judge of these matters. 
But there are many who are complaining; 


38 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

and there are not a few who openly say that 
we should have a change/^ 

The other nodded, and settled his napkin 
more comfortably under his chin. 

'' A change ? said he. “ Oh, yes, there are 
a great many who are crying for that. But 
who are they, sir ? Answer me.’^ He glanced 
at the other two as though challenging them 
to reply. Livingstone in turn glanced at 
Hawkins, and as that gentleman gave no sign, 
he, also, remained mute. The speaker tasted 
delicately of the dish before him, then point- 
ing his fork at the silent twain, proceeded : 

“ Since you don't seem able to answer, I 
will do so for you. The thing had its begin- 
ning with a parcel of knaves who thought to 
line their pockets out of the public funds ; 
and later they were joined by disappointed 
officers whose preferment had been discounte- 
nanced by General Washington because he 
knew them for what they were." 

Master Livingstone coughed apologetically; 
it were as though he disliked controverting 
his guest, but felt compelled by facts to do so. 

There is, perhaps, some truth in what you 
say," said he. ** But then, there are many 


A THREAT 


39 


persons who belong to neither of the classes 
you mention, who believe the present com- 
mander-in-chief to be unfit.’' 

The other made no reply to this, merely 
gesturing his impatience with such people. 
His silence seemed to encourage Merchant 
Livingstone, who went on : 

** Now, look the thing candidly in the face, 
my dear sir, and tell me if you don’t think 
these good folk have some cause for believing 
as they do. There is the campaign about 
New York. It is notorious that it was sadly 
bungled. Long Island would have been won 
by any far-seeing officer ; the affairs on the 
river and above New York would have proven 
matters of little effort to many a man who is 
held idle here in the city. The flight across 
the Jerseys ” 

But at this the round-faced man lost all pa- 
tience. He tore his napkin from about his 
neck and dashed it down upon the table. 

The flight across the Jerseys is precisely 
on a footing with all the other things you 
have mentioned or can mention. With a 
handful of badly armed men, Washington fell 
back before a disciplined army ; at every halt- 


40 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

ing place he sent appeals for help, and though 
he was in the most desperate danger, no aid 
was given him ; though he crossed the entire 
state, not a hundred militia answered his call.’^ 
Here the angry gentleman got upon his feet 
and glared at his adversary. ‘‘ Did they ex- 
pect him to give battle with his bare hands ? 
A commission is not all that an officer re- 
quires, sir. He cannot wave it in the face of 
the enemy and expect them to be seized with 
fright. He must be given men, sir — men and 
money; and unless he is given them, what 
rational person can expect anything but de- 
feat and retreat ? ” 

That Mr. Samuel Livingstone was astounded 
at this outburst was evident. He lifted one fat 
hand in protest, and said with much emotion : 

“My good friend, donT be violent, I beg! 
I did not think to offend you, but to merely 
repeat some things which could not help but 
reach my ear.’^ 

“ It does not set well upon a man of your 
years and station, Livingstone, to repeat com- 
mon gossip. What has been said to the dis- 
credit of General Washington has been said 
behind his back. Not one of his detractors 


A THREAT 


41 


has had the courage to speak openly and spe- 
cifically — that is, not one whom he would 
think it worth while to controvert. The 
whole matter is a rascally one, sir, and every 
worthy person should frown upon it.^^ 

“I meant to give you no offense,” said 
Master Livingstone. 

“ And you have not. What I say is said as 
a citizen, my friend ; and I have no personal 
feeling in the matter whatever.” 

However, when the speaker sat down once 
more, Ben Cooper noted that his manner was 
not at all as even as it had been formerly. 
Apparently he was no lukewarm friend of the 
commander-in-chief of the American forces, 
and felt the insinuations leveled against that 
gentleman much more keenly than he cared 
to admit. 

Livingstone spoke but little after this ; his 
friend’s reception of his views had so abashed 
him that he seemed to prefer to keep silent. 
But with Hawkins it was different. With 
smooth insinuation he entered into the matter 
under discussion ; he stated no views, but 
seemed somewhat eager as to the views of 
others. Ben listened with attention ; now 


42 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

and then he noted the man’s eye lift in his 
direction, but as the glances seemed merely 
passing ones he gave them no heed. After a 
time the Porcupine spoke. 

“ Master Hawkins seems very inquisitive,” 
remarked he, shrewdly. Mark you, how he 
asks questions.” 

“ And, also, mark you, whom the questions 
hinge upon,” said Ben, with meaning. 

Intently the dwarf listened, all the time 
seeming much interested in the remnants of 
the beefsteak pie. At last he looked up at 
Ben, his brows lifted and his mouth drawn to 
one side, knowingly. 

He wants to know about the people who 
are speaking ill of General Washington — es- 
pecially about those officers who think them- 
selves ill-treated.” There was a silence, and 
as Ben said nothing, the dwarf asked : I 
wonder why ? ” 

I, too, wonder why,” said Ben, and there 
was that same speculative look in his face 
which the Porcupine had noted more than 
once since their first sight of Tobias Hawkins 
on the outskirts of the throng which had 
watched the captive Hessians. 


A THREAT 


43 


After Mr. Livingstone and his guests had 
done with their supper, they sat for some time 
and talked. Hawkins’ part in this was still 
questioning ; and always, as the Porcupine had 
shrewdly noted, questions concerning those 
who bore General Washington ill will. The 
clock struck ten as the round-faced man arose. 

I had not thought it so late. You will 
excuse me, Livingstone, and you, Mr. Haw- 
kins, for leaving you so abruptly. But my 
time is much taken up these nights ; I have 
much correspondence thrust upon me, and 
many books to put in order before I sleep.” 

So saying he called for his cloak, his com- 
forter and three-cornered hat ; and shaking 
hands with his companions he hurried out 
into the cold streets. It was no great while 
after this before Hawkins and Livingstone 
also made up their minds to go ; the former 
stood before the cheerfully blazing fire as he 
drew on his greatcoat and adjusted his hat ; 
then with his hands upon his hips he turned 
and stared Ben straight in the eye. 

“ I trust, young sir, that you will have no 
difficulty in recognizing me when next we 
chance to meet.” 


44 the young continentals 

Ben was taken by surprise ; but he con- 
trived to present a cool front and make re- 
ply : 

“ I have a habit of remembering faces, sir. 
And yours,” inspecting the man with much 
calmness, “ is one not readily forgotten.” 

The man favored him with a smile which 
was not altogether pleasant to see. The good 
humor of the early evening was now com- 
pletely gone ; his strong features were harsh 
and hawk-like. 

“ Perhaps,” sneered he, you, like our 
young friend here, have been to the wars.” 
As the boy made no reply, he went on : ‘‘Per- 
haps a person with good sight might have 
seen you also at Bunker Hill.” 

“ It is possible,” smiled Ben. “ There were a 
great many there.” He looked steadfastly into 
the man’s face and continued, intending the 
saying merely as a jest and that he should not 
be thought backward with an answer : “ And 
who knows, sir, but that one with even less 
excellent vision might have noted you there? ” 

The effect of this upon the man was start- 
ling. For an instant he glared like a tiger 
and his powerful hands clinched. 


A THREAT 45 

“ Master Hawkins I cried Samuel Living- 
stone, alarmed. 

The man’s countenance cleared like magic ; 
with a wide gesture he burst into a great 
laugh. 

Don’t mind me, sir,” cautioned he. “ I 
will have my jest at even the most unseemly 
of times. But come. I’ll not detain you with 
my clowning.” And with that he took the 
merchant by the arm and started jovially for 
the door. But upon reaching it he turned 
and addressed himself to Ben once more. 

I ask your pardon, my lad, for the liberty 
taken in presuming to have a laugh at your 
expense. Perhaps,” and there was a covert 
meaning in both his voice and eyes, ‘‘ we shall 
meet at some other time. And, if it should 
so chance, trust me to remember you, even if 
you should, after all, forget me.” 

And with that the door closed upon both 
him and the merchant, and Ben and the Por- 
cupine sat looking into each other’s faces. 


CHAPTER III 


SHOWS HOW BEN COOPER STARTED UPON 
A MISSION IN THE EARLY DAWN 

For a brief space after the departure of 
Tobias Hawkins and Merchant Livingstone, 
Ben Cooper and the Porcupine continued to 
look inquiringly at each other. 

Well?^^ said the dwarf, at last. 

** Well ? ” returned Ben, in the same tone, 
and with that they burst into a laugh. 

“ An odd fish,” commented the Porcupine, 
crossing one short leg over the other and 
nodding his head. ‘‘An odd fish, indeed. 
And he seemed to have some sort of a hidden 
meaning behind his words as he went out.” 

“ A threat,” said Ben, thoughtfully ; “ un- 
doubtedly a threat. He seemed to object to 
my watching him as I did.” 

“ And the way he started, and the rage he 
flew into when you joked him about also being 
at Bunker Hill. It was peculiar.” 

“ And if he was there — and I am, somehow, 
46 


IN THE EARLY DAWN 


47 


now inclined so think he was — why does he 
desire to keep it hidden ? All whom I have 
met who took part in that fight have been 
proud of it. Indeed, most have made it a 
boast.’^ Ben paused for a moment, deep in 
thought ; then he suddenly leaped up. 

What is it ? cried the Porcupine, all alert, 
and also rising. 

But seeing that he was attracting attention, 
Ben resumed his seat. 

Sit down,*^ said he, calmly enough. And 
when the dwarf had done so, he leaned across 
the table and continued in a low-pitched voice : 
“ Master Hawkins was present at the Bunker 
Hill fight. My watching him so intently, 
and my later jest have convinced him that I 
saw him there.^^ 

But,’’ said the Porcupine, not understand- 
ing, he seemed afraid. Why should he fear 
you seeing him there?” 

There is only one reason in the world,” 
replied Ben Cooper, and his voice sank lower 
than ever, and that is that he was upon the 
side of the enemy.” 

The Porcupine sank back into his chair ; 
his lips formed a circle, and he blew out his 


48 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

breath hissingly. Then with one finger he 
pointed at Ben and said : 

“ You’re right. You’re exactly right. It 
couldn’t be anything else. He belongs to 
Howe’s army, and he’s here for no good.” 

But Ben was silent ; he too, so it appeared, 
was convinced that the man’s presence in the 
city had an evil meaning. And the Porcu- 
pine, as he watched his comrade, felt sure that 
its possible intent suggested itself to him. 
Ben stared into the fire, his chin in his 
hands, and the dwarf heard him mutter : 

“ No, no I Such a thing is almost impos- 
sible. It might enter the minds of the enemy 
to attempt it ; but it could not be carried out, 
for no American would lend himself to it.” 

It was some little time before Ben aroused 
himself. 

“ I had almost forgotten Master Morris and 
the dispatch,” said he as he looked at the 
coffee room clock. You get to bed. Porcu- 
pine, for there’s no knowing how long I shall 
be gone.” 

He pulled on his heavy coat, and felt of his 
inner pockets to be sure that his message was 
safe ; then with a parting word to the dwarf, 


IN THE EARLY DAWN 


49 


he left the inn. The streets were very quiet 
at that hour ; the stars looked cold and far 
away ; the stones rang under his spurred heel. 

There was a light burning behind a curtain 
in the Morris house. 

“ He’s home, I think,” said the lad, ‘^and 
perhaps sitting up, awaiting my return.” 

Ben ascended the high stone steps and 
sounded the knocker gently. There was a 
pause, then a step was heard in the hall, a bar 
fell, a chain rattled and the door swung open. 
To his great astonishment, Ben saw standing 
before him, a lighted candle above his head, 
the gentleman who had supped with Living- 
stone and Hawkins at the inn. 

I desire to see Master Robert Morris,” said 
the lad. 

The other inspected him closely. 

” Did you, by any chance, call here earlier 
in the evening? ” he asked. 

“ I did, and left a note sa3dng that I would 
return.” 

The door was held open to its fullest extent. 

” Come in.” 

Ben Cooper entered the hall ; the other then 
closed the door and led the way to an apart- 


50 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

ment where several candles burned in long 
silver candlesticks upon a writing table. 

I reached home only a short time ago/^ 
said the gentleman, after they had become 
seated, “ and was startled to find myself the 
cause of delay. The generahs dispatches are 
usually urgent.’^ 

Ben took out a folded paper sealed in 
several places. 

“ You are Mr. Robert Morris he asked. 

I am,’’ replied the gentleman. 

Upon receiving the paper he at once broke 
the seal, and drawing one of the candles nearer, 
proceeded to read. .When he reached the 
end of the message, his lips were compressed 
and a troubled expression appeared in his 
eyes. 

‘‘I was afraid it was something like this,” 
he said, shaking his head. The wants of 
the army are urgent, I know, but money is 
very difficult to get just now.” He looked at 
Ben and tapped the edge of the refolded 
paper upon the writing table. It is a matter 
of wonderment what becomes of the hard 
money at times,” he went on. When it is 
the most urgently needed, it is the scarcest.” 


IN THE EARLY DAWN 


51 

** That/^ said Ben, I think may be said 
about most things.’^ 

The financier of the Revolution smiled. 

“ Why,” said he, “ that's true enough. But 
money is the worst of all. Let me see.” The 
speaker pulled open a drawer and took out a 
book. “ What were the last moneys I sent to 
the general?” He turned page after page, 
running his finger down each. 

“ Here it is,” pausing at an entry. There 
were four hundred and ten Spanish dollars, 
two crowns, ten shillings and sixpence English, 
and one French half-crown.” He closed the 
ledger and sat regarding it with nodding head. 

A small sum, indeed, to supply a general in 
the field ; it could not go far.” He was silent 
for a space ; then he opened the message once 
more, and reread what Washington had 
written. This time such a pittance will not 
answer. The call is more urgent; a large sum 
must be had. But,” and his chin sank upon 
his breast, “ where shall I ask for it? Where 
has my credit not been tried ? ” 

For a long time he sat buried in thought, 
apparently oblivious of the boy's presence. 
Finally he arose and began pacing up and 


52 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

down the apartment, his hands behind him 
and his brows puckered thoughtfully. One, 
two, three hours were struck upon the great bell 
in the State House tower ; Ben was nodding 
in the comfortable chair which had been given 
him; the financier, with muttering lips and 
mind concentrated upon the problem before 
him, continued his pacing. At three o’clock he 
sat down and began to go through documents, 
books and files ; with a blunt quill he scratched 
notes upon a slip of paper. It was past four 
o’clock when he pushed the mass from him 
and arose ; twice had he replaced the candles, 
and the last were now guttering and flickering 
in the sockets of their supports. Mr. Morris 
was putting on his cloak when his eyes fell 
upon the relaxed form of the drowsy youth. 

^‘My poor lad,” he said, astonishment and 
then amusement showing in his face, I had 
really forgotten all about you. It is too bad 
of me, but I was so taken up by these affairs 
of mine that everything else was completely 
shut out.” 

Ben rubbed his eyes. 

“ I was told to await an answer,” he said ; 
and believe me, sir, I have passed a much 


IN THE EARLY DAWN 


53 

longer and less comfortable time often enough 
and upon less important business/’ 

“ You are very good to say so,” replied the 
merchant. He took up his hat, and in the 
act of placing it upon his head, a thought 
seemed to occur to him. “ Perhaps,” he added, 
you are not even yet too fatigued to prolong 
your share in this matter.” 

Sir,” replied Ben Cooper, arising and lift- 
ing a hand, military fashion, “ I am ready and 
willing to give what time you require to it.” 

Very good,” said Mr. Morris, nodding his 
head in a satisfied way. “ You have the mak- 
ing of an excellent soldier in 3^ou, sir.” 

After settling the long comforter about his 
neck, the merchant went to a low chest of 
drawers and took from it a pistol. 

“ I trust you are armed,” said he, as he ex- 
amined this. Without a word Ben showed 
the pistol and short hanger which he wore 
buttoned under his greatcoat. Good,” said 
Mr. Morris. “ If I have fortune attending me, 
I shall have a large sum in hard money before 
very long ; and it will be as well to be prepared 
to defend it against highwaymen, if any be 
abroad.” 


54 the young continentals 

Without any clear understanding of the 
nature of this errand, Ben Cooper followed the 
comfortable looking'Mr. Morris into the street ; 
the dawn was paling the sky in the direction 
of the Delaware, and the air had a penetrating 
chill which made him shiver. Not very far 
did they go before Mr. Morris ascended a pair 
of steps and beat a tattoo upon the knocker. 

You will be a much astonished man, 
Jethro Sharpless,’* chuckled the merchant, 
“ and there will be many like you before the 
dawn comes up on the New Year.” 

Ill reply to the vigorous rapping upon the 
door, a window went up, a head popped out 
and a complaining voice demanded : 

Who is it that comes at such an hour as 
this? Be off with thee or I will summon the 
watch and have thee taken to the lock-up.” 

“ Is that you, Jethro Sharpless ? ” asked 
Merchant Morris. This is your friend 
Robert Morris, who bids you come down as 
soon as you may and hear what news is come 
from the Jerseys.” 

There was an exclamation above, and the 
window closed hastily. The announcement 
by Mr. Morris was in a clear, round voice and 



IS YOUR FRIEND 
^ ROBERT MORRIS" 





IN THE EARLY DAWN 


55 


in the quiet of the early morning it carried 
surprisingly. From across the way an anxious 
voice called : 

“ What news is it that you bring, Neighbor 
Morris ? Good or bad ? ” 

“ Ah, did my knocking awaken you, Robert 
Chaney? Arouse you, then 1 Mr. Morris 
had his face toward the place where the voice 
had sounded. 

Apparently the rat-tat-tat upon the door of 
Friend Sharpless had brought others out of 
their warm beds to learn what was going for- 
ward. At any rate there came a full half 
dozen voices from as many different points, all 
charged with suspense : 

“ What say you, Morris ? What is it? 

Has a battle been fought? 

Has Cornwallis crossed a state so soon ? ** 

“ How went the fight? 

Did our troops give a good account of 
themselves? ” 

But Robert Morris offered them scant satis- 
faction. 

“ You will have to gather round about, my 
good friends, before I relieve myself of my 
budget. I have news of the first importance 


56 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

— news that must come home to every real 
friend of the cause/^ Here the door of the 
Sharpless house opened, and the nightcapped 
householder showed himself, candle in hand. 

You will find me in the parlor of Jethro 
Sharpless ; and any of you, wlio care to hear 
what General Washington himself says, will 
gather there at once.^^ 

In the parlor, Mr. Sharpless, who was a 
tall, bony man, with scraggy, gray brows, 
placed his brass candlestick upon the table and 
looked at the two who had so disturbed his 
sleep. 

“ News from the Jerseys, said he, his 
scraggy brows drawn together with anxiety. 

And what has been toward. Friend Morris ? 
Has there been a swording and a bickering 
with the guns ? Or has the army retreated 
once more ? ” 

Mr. Morris took a seat at one corner of a 
settle, crossed his legs and balanced his three- 
cornered hat in his hands. 

I fancy,” said he, quietly, there will be 
a number of your neighbors here in a few 
moments, Friend Sharpless ; so, perhaps, we 
had better save the news until they arrive.” 


IN THE EARLY DAWN 


57 


With as good a grace as may be, the house- 
holder set about waiting ; and in no great 
while Mr. Morris was surrounded by a ring of 
eager faces. 

“ Come now, the news,^' was demanded of 
him. 

Never say it was anything but a victory,^^ 
said a second. 

** Trenton has but whetted our appetite,^^ 
declared another. ** Americans can beat the 
British as readily as they can the Hessians, so 
let’s to the news of how they did it.” 

Merchant Morris regarded them with his 
shrewd eyes. He knew every man of them ; 
they were persons of means and circumstance ; 
none in the entire city more capable than they 
when matters of credit or ready money were 
discussed. 

“ So,” spoke Mr. Morris, carefully, ** you 
desire a victory, do you, my friends ? Very 
good. Not one of you is more desirous of it 
than I. And no one more willing to point 
out to you how it can be gotten than I.” 

“ What,” demanded Friend Sharpless, has 
there not been a fight won, then ? ” 

** A fight won I ” replied Robert Morris, 


58 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

scornfully. A fight won I And with what, 
pray ? ” He looked from one to the other of 
them. Would you ask a man to dig and 
give him no spade? Would you require a 
man to build and provide him with no bricks? 
You would not ! You are all too shrewd for 
that — too well acquainted with the wisdom of 
practical things. But still you would have a 
general win battles without an army ; you 
would have him face the ice of winter without 
shoes or blankets for his scanty force ; you 
would have him keep the field in all the rigor 
of the season with no medical help for his sick ; 
you would have him front a powerful foe with 
only a few muskets and artillery of the poorest.’^ 
To this there was no answer, save a look of 
gloom from each of the circle. Robert Morris 
went on : 

You have the cause and you have the 
general. Put the power into the general’s 
hands, and the cause is won.” There 
was a pause, and the speaker drew out the 
dispatch which Ben Cooper had brought 
from Trenton. “ It is, perhaps, in your 
minds,” proceeded the financier, as to what 
form this paper is to take. My reply is 


IN THE EARLY DAWN 


59 


simple. Funds! Hard money! I do not 
expect you to fill the empty treasure chest. 
Merely cover its bottom and it will suffice for 
a time.’’ 

Times,” spoke one with a shake of the 
head, “ are hard.” 

‘‘ Ready money is difficult to come by,” 
added another. 

The war has ruined trade,” bemoaned an- 
other. A gold or silver coin is a rarity 
nowadays.” 

Here,” said Robert Morris, apparently 
paying no heed to their complaints, is the 
letter of His Excellency.” He read the lines 
with proper emphasis and clearness, and as he 
was refolding the sheet continued : ‘‘ You see, 
sirs, it is a rather large sum that is required ; 
but consider, also, that the need of it is much 
larger still. A crisis has been reached in the 
country’s affairs that must be met with swift- 
ness and generosity ; if it is not, then never 
look for a sign of peace until all the sources 
of supply whatsoever have been drained. By 
lending a part to the cause at this time, you 
may save the whole, eventually.” 

He placed the dispatch in his pocket and 


6o THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 


sat awaiting a response. There was a long 
silence : each man seemed to prefer that his 
neighbor speak first. There was none of the 
eagerness of real patriotism which once im- 
pelled men to rush to the defense of their native 
land ; their manners were more like those of 
gloomy pessimists who foresaw nothing but 
disaster and whose remembrance of self im- 
pelled them to think only of what might be 
saved from the ruins of their cause. Keen- 
eyed Robert Morris perceived this at once ; it 
was nothing more, apparently, than he had 
expected ; but like the courageous man that 
he was, he continued to strive, even in the 
face of defeat. 

Picture after picture was drawn by him of 
what would befall should the arm}^ not re- 
ceive the required money ; he left nothing to 
the imagination ; Washington would be driven 
beyond the western mountains ; Philadelphia 
would fall ; taxation would hang upon them 
like a chain upon a felon. 

But his eloquence failed to move them ; 
their heavy faces ringed about him unbeliev- 
ingly ; the doubt in their hearts seemed to fill 
the room. At length Morris arose. 


IN THE EARLY DAWN 


6i 


“ Well/^ said he, “ I cannot remain to reason 
with you longer, friends. The money must 
be had swiftly, if it’s to do any good ; so I 
must call upon some one more promising before 
it is too late. Should any of you chance to 
alter your minds,” he added, pausing at the 
door, ‘‘you know where I live. I shall be 
very glad, indeed, to see you.” 

With Ben Cooper at his side he left the 
house of Jethro Sharpless, and proceeded to 
another house at no great distance ; but with 
no better fortune. Then began a hurried round 
from house to house, a hammering at knockers 
and a rousing of quiet citizens from their beds. 
Excuses, apologies and promises were many. 

“ But no hard money,” said the financier to 
Ben. “ Nothing that will help an army des- 
perately circumstanced for arms and clothing 
and food.” 

The dawn had passed, and the streets were 
well peopled by those starting upon the early 
duties of the day when Robert Morris with 
empty hands and haggard face gave up the 
hopeless task. 

“I am ashamed of my fellow townsmen,” 
he said. “ They are without a particle of that 


62 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 


daring necessary to bring a cause to the point 
where success may be had/* 

Side by side he and Ben walked back toward 
the Morris house ; the merchant’s head was 
bent, his moody eyes were upon the ground. 

** I will write a letter to the general which 
you will be good enough to carry,” he said. 
“ Perhaps in a few days I shall be more 
fortunate in my appeals for help, and will say 
so in the letter ; if you are asked any questions, 
it will be as well, perhaps, if you place the 
matter in as hopeful a light as you can. It 
will not do to allow any definite discourage- 
ment to gain circulation at this ” 

Here Merchant Morris was interrupted by a 
quiet voice saying : 

“ Good-morning, Friend Morris ; thou art 
early upon thy affairs to-day.” 

It was a tall, quiet-faced Quaker, wrapped 
in a gray woolen shawl, and with his broad- 
brimmed hat pulled well down. 

It is a pressing matter, though no more 
my own than yours, friend, which compels 
me to be early astir,” replied Morris. 

‘‘ Ah,” said the Quaker. “ Some affair of 
Congress, or the army.” 


IN THE EARLY DAWN 63 

** A most active necessity/’ said Morris. 
He drew off his gloves, took out Washington’s 
letter and read it aloud once more. When he 
had concluded, he added : “ You see, it was 
not a thing to be dandled over.” 

The tall Quaker nodded. 

As thou sayest, friend, a most pressing 
business, indeed.” He looked at Merchant 
Morris for a moment with quiet eyes. What 
sum does General Washington mention? ” he 
asked. 

Fifty thousand dollars.” 

It is a great deal.” Again came the 
pause ; then he continued in the same unruf- 
fled voice, Friend Robert, what security 
canst thou offer against a loan of such size ? ” 

My note and my honor, ” promptly. 

The Quaker smiled and nodded. 

“ More no man could ask,” said he. “ Thou 
shalt have it, but,” with a wave of the hand, 

thou must allow me one day to gather the 
sum together, since it must be in coin.” 

'' Friend,” said Robert Morris, delightedly, 
** I am greatly beholden to you.” 

“ By this evening, then,” said the other, as 
he started on his way, ‘^you may expect it.” 


64 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

When he had gone, Ben Cooper fell in si- 
lently by the side of Mr. Morris. Already the 
latter was planning the next step. 

You rode from Trenton yesterday,” he 
said, ** and because of me have had no sleep 
during the night. It would be too much to 
ask you to take horse again this morning.” 

If it is necessary,” spoke Ben, “ you need 
only give me the word.” 

“ Excellent I Then, if that is your spirit, 
I say to you that it is necessary. What is the 
earliest hour you can reach the camp ? ” 

'' By sundown.” 

“ Very well. I will not detain you to write 
a letter. Merely say to the general that fifty 
thousand dollars will be on its way to him in 
a swift carriage by the time your message is 
delivered.” 

Seeing that there was no more to be said, 
Ben saluted the financier, military fashion, 
and started at a brisk pace for the City Tav- 
ern. Within an hour both he and the Porcu- 
pine had breakfasted and were in the saddle, 
headed for Washington’s camp on the upper 
Delaware. 


CHAPTER IV 


HOW GOOD NEWS CAME TO TRENTON 

The two young riders clung to the western 
side of the river upon the return journey ; it 
is true that panic, after the disaster at Tren- 
ton, had cleared the stations below of the 
Hessians, but Ben knew that a British army 
would soon be on its way to attempt to drive 
Washington back, and he did not feel at all 
sure that the enemy were not in possession of 
Burlington and Bordentown once more. 

Some distance above Bristol they detected 
a small party of horsemen on the road ahead, 
and approached slowly, their pistols ready at 
hand. But the sharp eyes of Ben Cooper soon 
made out the party, and he gave a laugh of 
satisfaction. 

** It’s Nat and the two Prentiss boys,” he 
said. ** Out on a scout, I suppose.” 

The three youths mentioned had recognized 
them about the same time, and now came on 
with shouts of greeting. 

65 


66 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 


** What news? ” asked Ben of the most stal- 
wart of the three, a lad with bronzed face and 
keen eye. 

‘‘The army has recrossed the river, replied 
Nat Brewster. “ The last of them went over 
early to-day.’^ 

“ What of the enemy ? demanded the 
Porcupine, still fingering his huge pistol. 

The boys all laughed at his belligerent atti- 
tude. 

“ They are on the way to meet us,’^ replied 
Ezra Prentiss. “ We heard something of it 
before we left camp. They say that Lord 
Cornwallis was just about to take ship for 
England when the word of the taking of 
Trenton reached General Howe ; and now he 
is hack in the Jerseys at the head of their 
force once more.” 

“ News was brought in that the enemy have 
gathered all their scattered forces at Prince- 
ton,” said George Prentiss, twin brother to 
Ezra. “ Cornwallis brought with him a 
strong reinforcement of picked troops, and 
with those of Grant there are some eight 
thousand of them ready to march if they have 
not already started.” 


GOOD NEWS 


67 

The three youths had been on the other 
side of the river seeking traces of the enemy 
from that direction, but finding none had 
crossed the stream upon a flatboat, thinking 
to fall in with Ben, as they had done. All 
five now started north having made up their 
minds to cross the river at the point where 
the troops had effected their latest passage. 
The Prentiss twins rode on ahead, while Ben 
Cooper and his stalwart cousin, Nat Brewster, 
followed some little distance behind. A great 
deal of news had made its way into the 
American camp during Ben’s two days' ab- 
sence, through scouts, spies and deserting 
Hessians, and Nat knew that the other would 
be eager to hear it all. 

They are pressing^ wagons on every 
hand," said young Brewster ; when we left, 
we heard that their advance pickets were 
very near to Trenton." 

What is thought of the situation at head- 
quarters?" asked Ben. 

** From a word here and a word there, I 
gather that they are rather anxious. The 

* “ Pressing wagons ” — taking those of the New Jersey farmers 
for the use of the British army. 


68 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 


winning of Trenton, however, has roused the 
Jerseys at last, and the militia is beginning to 
rise. Cadwallader and Mifflin have been 
ordered in with their commands and should 
reach camp to-day. The general seems to 
have made up his mind to fight, but it looks 
to me that he will now have to do so whether 
he would or no, for the enemy is before and 
the river is behind. And this time he must 
not retreat, for to do that would dishearten 
the Jerseymen and the country as well.’^ 

The boys reached Washington’s camp 
shortly after dark, and Ben instantly pre- 
sented himself at headquarters. As he stood, 
saluting in an outer room, a smart young 
officer demanded his business. 

To see the general.” 

Your business,” said the young officer, 
curtly. 

‘*A message from Mr. Robert Morris, at 
Philadelphia,” said'Ben. 

” I will take it to the general,” the other 
informed him. 

My message is by word of mouth,” said 
Ben, and is, perhaps, of an urgent and 
private nature.” 


GOOD NEWS 


69 

** Wait here/^ said the young officer as he 
arose. He spent but a very few moments in 
the inner room ; and when he returned he was 
as curt and businesslike as before. 

You are to go in/^ said he, and one finger 
indicated the door. 

When Ben entered the room where Wash- 
ington sat, he found him engaged with two 
other officers. These were Mifflin and Cad- 
wallader, leaders of Pennsylvania militia, 
who had but a few hours before arrived in 
camp with their combined force, approaching 
four thousand men. 

I am grateful to you, gentlemen,’^ the 
commander-in-chief was saying. ‘‘ It is not 
always,’^ a trifle bitterly, that my desires are 
so promptly answered.'^ 

We are under your directions,’^ said 
General Mifflin, coldly ; “ and we trust that 
we know some of the duties that devolve 
upon under officers.” 

General Cadwallader glanced at his brother 
officer as though the tone, the words and the 
manner were not agreeable to him. 

** I got your orders at Crosswicks — -joined 
Mifflin accordingly, and set out.” The tone 


70 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

and manner here were eager, soldier-like, and 
respectful. I hope, general, you have some 
good fighting to offer us.” 

Washington paid no attention to the atti- 
tude of Mifflin ; to Cadwallader he replied : 

“ It is more than likely that there will be a 
clash in a day or two that will put a decided 
point upon the affairs of the states ; and if it’s 
fighting you seek, general,” with a smile, ** I 
think we can please you.” 

‘‘ I could not get across the river to be of 
assistance to you a week ago,” said Cad- 
wallader, and have since been prevented by 
lack of enemies from being of service. 
Pennsylvania wants her troops in action, and 
I am only too eager to try them under fire in 
an engagement of consequence.” 

There was a great deal passed upon both 
sides ; but through it all General Mifflin said 
nothing, sitting coldly erect with a face of 
stony indifference. At length General Wash- 
ington noticed the lad in the doorway, his hand 
still raised in the gesture of salute. 

‘‘ Ah, Cooper,” said he, concerned ; ** I had 
let you slip my mind. Pomroy just now told 
me that you had returned.” Then, leaning 


GOOD NEWS 


71 

over his table, eagerly, What letters do you 
bring me? ” 

“ None, sir,'^ replied the boy. “ Master 
Morris bade me tell you what he had to say.’* 

A shadow crossed the grave face of the 
commander-in-chief ; evidently this, to his 
mind, promised no good. 

‘‘ Go on,” he said. 

I told Master Morris that I should reach 
camp by sundown to-day ; and he said that I 
was to inform you that, by then, a swift car- 
riage would be on its way, bearing fifty thou- 
sand dollars for the use of the army.” 

The cloud passed from General Washing- 
ton’s face like magic; a look of great satis- 
faction replaced it. 

‘‘ Excellent ! ” he said. I felt sure,” to 
the other officers, ** that Morris would not fail 
me, if it were at all possible to procure the 
money.” 

The nation is indeed fortunate to have 
the services of so able a man in the capacity 
in which he is serving,” said Cadwallader. 

In the matter of finance, Morris is little 
short of a wizard.” After a few more ques- 
tions, Ben was told that was all, and retired. 


72 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

At once he sought out his friends, where they 
sat about a fire preparing their supper along 
with some others. And during their meal 
there was much gossip exchanged. 

Cornwallis will be upon us to-morrow,” 
said a young sergeant of horse, who was of 
the party. We have all day been catch- 
ing sight of light bodies thrown out in ad- 
vance.” 

** I have heard that Howe himself has 
landed a couple of regiments at Amboy and 
is on the march,” spoke another. 

** Well, let him come,” said a youthful 
artilleryman ; ‘‘ the more of them, the greater 
chance we will have at them with the shells. 
To reach us they must cross the Assanpink 
Creek a little below there ; the stone bridge 
is narrow, and the water is deep and our 
guns are so planted as to sweep it from end to 
end.” 

Some few hours were spent in pleasant 
fashion, chatting and discussing the prospects 
of the coming fight. Later Nat and Ben 
found themselves without the lines of spark- 
ling fires ; a little distance away they could 
hear the sentries pacing up and down, and now 


GOOD NEWS 


73 


and then the rattle of a piece of artillery wheel- 
ing into place would reach their ears. Some- 
how, as the thought of the approaching battle 
grew upon them, they had become graver, and 
so fell into a talk concerning family things and 
interests which had nothing in common with 
their friends ; and so they had arisen and 
strolled away. 

The night was a quiet one ; the city of 
Trenton lay before them like some gloomy, 
crouching thing awaiting its fate on the mor- 
row ; had not their military experience told 
them that their pickets lay all about them 
with masked fires, they would have fancied 
the countryside deserted. Ben had just been 
speaking feelingly of his father, whom he had 
not had time to call upon while in Philadel- 
phia, and they stood leaning against the 
tongue of an empty baggage wagon, deep in 
the softer reflections which home and home 
things bring uppermost. Then they were 
aroused by the sound of voices and footsteps, 
and the flash of a tinder box showed them two 
men standing at the door of a small house 
which the boys in the semi-darkness had not 
before noted. 


74 the young continentals 

** Ah, I can see it now,^’ said one of them. 
“ The step is broken, and I have missed a 
nasty fall more than once.’^ 

The flash died out almost instantly, and the 
two men stood in the shadows for a moment 
in silence. Then the second one spoke : 

The whole matter has reached an acute 
pass, General Mifflin ; a great many of our 
citizens demand to know the facts, and I 
thought that perhaps 

The cold voice of Mifflin interrupted : 

“ But why have you selected me as the one 
best calculated to give you information ? I 
have not been with the main command ; and 
the fact is, I know nothing, except by hear- 
say.’^ 

But you know the man ; you were with 
him at the first, were you not ? 

“ I was an aide when he first was made what 
he is. But the candid fact is that I was never 
attracted by him, and therefore gave him little 
attention, save in the way of duty.” 

Again there was a silence ; then the other 
spoke once more : 

“ I am sorry that this is the case. I had 
hoped that you would be of much assistance 


GOOD NEWS 


75 

to us in coming to a proper knowledge of the 
situation/^ 

1 can tell you nothing that any one could 
not tell you,” insisted Mifflin. 

“ What are the prospects for an immediate 
action ? ” asked the second man, after a mo- 
ment. 

“ So far as I can learn — excellent.” 

** And what are the chances for success? ” 

As good as ever. Strangely enough, our 
army is still possessed of the fighting spirit, in 
spite of their wretched condition.” 

Ah I ” The voice of the other had an 
eager note deep in it, which attracted the in- 
stant attention of Ben Cooper. I had heard 
that they were not well conditioned or pro- 
vided for. Also I hear that the general has 
found it not at all easy to come by supplies of 
money.” 

“ No doubt all have heard such rumors,” 
said Mifflin ; “ I, too, have met with them. 
But as to money being hard to procure, I am 
not sure. While I was with Washington only 
a short time ago, the news came that fifty 
thousand dollars in coin was on its way.” 

“ Here ? ” asked the other. 


76 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

Here, to be sure,^^ replied Mifflin. 

** Ah I said the man, and again the eager 
note in his voice attracted Ben Cooper, that 
is interesting/' 

Washington seemed to find it so," replied 
Mifflin, drily. Then he added : And now, 
sir, if you will pardon me, I think I shall try 
and get some sleep. I have had a hard day 
and by all appearance to-morrow will be much 
harder." 

Thereupon the other, apparently not at all 
satisfied, judging from his tone, bade the gen- 
eral good-night ; Mifflin entered his head- 
quarters, where a light at once appeared, while 
the other man strode away into the darkness. 

Nat Brewster was the first to speak. 

“ That," said he, was a queer sort of thing. 
I don’t quite understand it." Pondering a 
moment, he added : Evidently this man who 
was with General Mifflin had come on an 
errand concerning the strength or weakness 
of a certain person." 

“ And that person," said Ben Cooper, with- 
out hesitation, “ is none other than General 
Washington." 

Right," said Nat ; the general it is.", 


GOOD NEWS 


77 


“ But/^ and there was a mystified quality 
in Ben’s voice and manner, “ while that inter- 
ests me, still there is something which attracts 
me still more.” 

And wluit is that ? ” 

“ I should like to know who that man is.” 
Ben pointed in the direction taken by Mifflin’s 
late companion, and Nat understood at once. 

So ? ” said he. And why are you so 
much interested in him?” 

“ Somehow,” said Ben, while he talked I 
seemed to recognize his voice — not so much 
its general quality, as a note that came into it 
now and then. It told of a sort of eagerness 
— a desire to learn something, which I seem 
strangely familiar with. And oddly enough, 
it strikes me that it was not so long ago that 

I heard it. It seems as though ” Here 

he paused, and through the semi-darkness his 
hand reached out and grasped Nat’s arm 
tightly. ** I know who it was,” he said. It 
was a man whom I met at the City Tavern in 
Philadelphia only last night — a man of the 
name of Tobias Hawkins I ” 


CHAPTER V 


IN WHICH AN ARMY CREPT AWAY IN THE NIGHT 

AND FOUGHT THE BATTLE OF PRINCETON 

Having bad no proper rest on the previous 
night, Ben slept well on that night of the first 
of January ; early in the morning, however, 
he was up and had snatched his breakfast and 
was in the saddle. 

Washington had selected a position for his 
main body on the east side of the Assanpink 
and, as the young artilleryman had said the 
night before, the batteries were so planted 
as to sweep the stone bridge over that stream, 
and the fords. Word came in by Ezra and 
George Prentiss, who had taken horse in the 
small hours of the morning, that the main 
body of Lord Cornwallis was advancing. At 
once strong parties were sent out under Gen- 
eral Greene ; these met and engaged advance 
parties of British, or hung upon the flanks of 
the main body like terriers, and so greatly 
impeded their progress. 

78 


PRINCETON 


79 


It was noon, therefore, when Cornwallis 
reached the north bank of the Shabbakong, 
where he halted for a time ; then he crossed 
to the other side, when the light parties of 
Americans once more began to worry him 
with their ride fire. Made angry by this, the 
British charged into the woods and dislodged 
their annoyers ; afterward they pushed on with 
little or no interference until they reached 
the high ground outside Trenton. Here Colo- 
nel Hand’s body of rifiemen poured out such 
a warm greeting that the British were for the 
time checked. But in a little while orders 
were sent to Hand to fall back, as the ground 
was not thought to be one upon which the 
struggle could be undertaken with advantage. 

When the riflemen retreated upon the main 
body of the American force, it w^as almost 
sunset ; in a fury at being so delayed, Corn- 
wallis rushed his troops through the town of 
Trenton, formed them into columns and at- 
tempted to cross the Assanpink by the stone 
bridge and the fords. 

But a storm of bullets and solid shot drove 
him back ; again and again the gallant Briton 
hurled his force at the crossings, but each time 


8o THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 


the batteries sent them reeling back. Wash- 
ington, mounted upon his white horse, was 
stationed at the American end of the bridge 
giving his orders in person ; and each time 
the enemy was repulsed the lines of his sol- 
diers roared their approval. 

During all this time the British cannon 
were by no means silent ; they thundered and 
smoked and hurled their missiles with all the 
skill of their handlers, but with little damage 
to the Americans. Then, as the night had 
closed in, Cornwallis hushed their anger, 
ceased his attempts to cross the creek, and 
went into camp. 

Ben Cooper and his friends stood w^atching 
the fires of the enemy gleaming in the dark- 
ness. 

“ Put off until another day,” said Ben, 
soberly. 

I thought, by the way it began, that we’d 
know victory or defeat by this,” remarked 
George Prentiss. 

“ How long do you think we’ll be able to 
hold them ? ” asked Nat Brewster of Ezra 
Prentiss. 

Cornwallis is a general of resource and 


rRINCETON 


8i 


enterprise/^ replied Ezra. “ To-day he has 
tried a direct forcing of our front ; to-morrow 
he will adopt different measures.^^ 

I suppose you’re right/’ said Ben Cooper, 
still more soberly than before. “ And that 
means that he’ll begin flanking movements 
and other things in which his veteran troops 
will have a tremendous advantage over our 
untrained militia.” 

To guard against a surprise, or to be ready 
to receive the enemy in the early morning 
should he wait so long before attacking, the 
Americans kept their weapons beside them. 
Washington patrolled his camp with care and 
anxiety ; it was a night of terrible suspense ; 
never before since the beginning of the war 
had the Americans risked so much upon the 
outcome of a single struggle ; defeat meant 
annihilation. 

The commander-in-chief, accompanied by a 
few officers, paused in his rounds at no great 
distance from where the boys stood. Sitting 
erect in his saddle, he examined the fires of 
Cornwallis with speculative eye. 

They sleep as though feeling their prey 
secure,” said General Greene. 


82 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 


** Our discipline is not great enough to hold 
him back,’' said Washington, his gaze still 
upon the watch-fires of the enemy ; “ a front 
to front engagement is out of the question.” 

The boys saw Greene turn a look upon his 
fellow officers ; it was plain that, from this, he 
expected something more. And he was not 
disappointed. 

“ By this time,” said General Washington, 
in a quiet way and with the manner of a man 
who is weighing something of vital import, 

the greater part of the enemy must be on its 
way to Trenton, to assist in crushing us.” 

“ I think there is scarcely any doubt of 
that,” answered Greene. ‘‘ We have given my 
Lord Cornwallis a taste of our mettle lately, 
and he’ll not trifie with us, you may de- 
pend.” 

“ They will be drawn from Princeton,” said 
Washington, “ in detachments of no great 
strength. If encountered, a competent force 
could beat them in detail. And then Bruns- 
wick, where all their baggage and stores lie, 
wmuld be left practically undefended.” 

General Greene drew in his breath sharply ; 
the other officers stirred in their saddles, their 


PRINCETON 


83 

eyes gleaming expectantly in the firelight. 
Washington, who had made no sign that he 
had noted the proximity of his young riders, 
now surprised them by suddenly facing them. 

Prentiss,” said he, singling out Ezra ; and 
the latter at once advanced to the side of the 
great white horse. The commander-in-chief 
said : When you brought in your information 
as to the movements of the enemy, this morn- 
ing, did you not say that a force was left 
behind a little way out of Trenton, as a rear 
guard ? ” 

“ About six miles, or half-way to Princeton, 
general,” answered Ezra promptly. It is 
under command of General Leslie ; I saw him 
plainly.” 

And they were on the direct road between 
Trenton and Princeton ? ” 

“Yes, general.” 

“ That will be all.” 

Ezra fell back to his friends ; the commander 
turned to his officers. 

“ There is another way to Princeton — a more 
circuitous one, known as the Quaker Road,” 
said Washington. “ Do you think, Mercer,” 
to the Virginian officer who was in the group. 


84 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

that a movement could be successfully made 
in that direction ? 

“ I am sure of it/’ declared General Mercer, 
enthusiastically. A quick march, a blow 
when they least expect it at Princeton, destroy 
what baggage they’ve left there — and then a 
rush upon Brunswick, where we can deal them 
a blow that will cripple them.” 

There was a chorus of voices raised in praise 
of the proposition. But Washington’s hand 
went up. 

First,” said he, we will discuss the matter 
in detail. And as your quarters are the 
nearest, Mercer,” to his friend, we will go 
there.” 

At once the party of general officers turned 
their horses’ heads toward the house where 
Mercer was lodged. What took place there 
the lads never knew, but that the plan which 
Washington had so sketched was finally agreed 
upon in detail was evident before an hour had 
passed. 

Swiftly the order was given ; the teamsters 
and the baggage were soon silentl}^ on their way 
to Burlington. Intrenching tools were brought 
forward with great bustle, and numbers of men 


PRINCETON 


85 

were set vigorously to work near the bridge and 
each ford, throwing up earthworks. With 
much clatter and loud talking this work went 
forward in the hearing of the British sentinels 
across the creek. Camp-fires were kept burn- 
ing, and from time to time guards were relieved 
in such a manner that the enemy could not 
help being aware of it. 

And while this was going forward, the main 
body of the army noiselessly slipped away 
toward Princeton. The progress was slow at 
first, because the roads were soft ; but suddenly 
the direction of the wind altered, the cold be- 
came intense, and the wagon way froze to the 
hardness of iron. 

The orders were that the men left behind to 
deceive the enemy were to continue on the 
Assanpink until daybreak, when they were 
to abandon their pretense and hasten after the 
army. General Mercer commanded the ad- 
vance party along the Quaker Road which, 
being new and encumbered with stumps, made 
slow traveling. 

It was about sunrise when the army reached 
the bridge at Stony Brook, three miles from 
Princeton. Ben Cooper and his friends, who 


86 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 


were detailed with Mercer’s advance party, 
heard that officer say to one of his aides : 

“ We should have been entering the town 
by this. I’m afraid that daylight will expose 
our movements.” 

Mercer, under orders, took up his course 
along the brook ; Washington led the main 
body into a by-road which his guides claimed 
was a short cut into Princeton. It was Mer- 
cer’s intent to seize or destroy a bridge on the 
main road, so as to prevent the flight of the 
British when Washington attacked them. 

Along trailed Mercer, following the stream, 
and away marched Washington by the side 
road ; they had gone some little way toward 
their objective points, and still the enemy had 
not perceived them. However, before Mercer 
reached the bridge, the British 17th, under 
Colonel Mawhood, crossed it on the way to 
Trenton, where they had been ordered. The 
glitter of the rifle barrels of Mercer’s men 
attracted the attention of some one in the 17th, 
and Mawhood was instantly on the alert. It 
was impossible for the British to make out 
the full strength of the Americans, owing to 
the thick woods ; but probably the British 


PRINCETON 


87 

leader fancied them a detachment flying from 
a possible defeat at Trenton ; and so made up 
his mind to capture them. 

Swift riders were sent spurring back to 
Princeton to inform two additional regiments, 
also under marching orders, of the' condition 
of affairs ; once these were on the ground, so 
Mawhood reasoned, the Americans could be 
surrounded. 

The van of Mercer’s brigade was nearing 
the desired bridge when Ben Cooper, riding 
ahead, made out the scarlet of the British 
through the naked trees. Instantly his hol- 
ster pistol was out and he had fired a shot of 
warning ; whirling about his mount he dashed 
back to the companions he had left a little 
while before. The alarm shot had startled 
the American officers into instant action ; 
Mercer galloped up and at once saw the task 
before him. Like a trained soldier he glanced 
about for a natural advantage ; some high 
ground to the right attracted him and he or- 
dered his men to make for it. The regiment 
of Mawhood noted the vantage point about 
the same time and also rushed to occupy it. 

But the Americans were the first to reach 


88 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 


the high ground and formed behind a hedge 
fence. Their rifles at once opened upon the 
British, who returned the fire with deadly ac- 
curacy. Mercer’s horse was killed under him, 
and several of his officers fell. A confusion 
struck the American troops, and, noting this, 
with comprehensive eye, Mawhood met the 
situation like a master. 

“ With bayonet — charge ! ’’ he commanded. 

With leveled muskets, each bayonet-tipped, 
the British 17th rushed up the sides of the 
elevation. 

Meet them, lads,^^ shouted the brave 
Mercer, who had freed himself from his dead 
horse and was now upon his feet, sword in 
hand. Club your pieces I Meet them like 
men ! 

But the clubbed muskets were of little use 
against the bristling steel of the onrushing 
veterans ; at the first onset the Americans 
broke ; Mercer tried to rally them, but was 
struck down ; with flashing blade he arose 
and defended himself — but was pierced by a 
half dozen bayonets, and the rush of the 
enemy passed over his brave bod}^ 

To the crest of the hill charged the 17th, 


PRINCETON 


89 

cheered on by Mawhood and his officers ; once 
there they came to a sudden halt, however, 
for they saw a heavy body of troops emerging 
from the woods and advancing toward them. 

This was a regiment of Pennsylvania 
militia which had been sent forward by 
Washington upon the first volley from Mer- 
cer’s brigade. 

** Give them the artillery, directed the 
businesslike Mawhood, as he watched the 
Pennsylvanians pushing upon him. 

In a moment the pieces of cannon which he 
carried with him were brought into play, and 
in the face of their heavy discharge, the 
Americans, who were but recruits, halted and 
began to waver. For a moment the situation 
was strong with peril, and then Nat Brewster, 
who stood with the Prentiss twins, Ben and 
some score of the hardier spirits, behind a 
fringe of trees, loading and firing like ma- 
chines, suddenly uttered a shout of joy. 

It’s not over yet,” said he, pointing to the 
brow of a neighboring hill. There stood a 
great white horse and upon it was a powerful, 
erect rider, who surveyed the situation with 
eagle glance. 


90 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

** It’s General Washington I ” shouted Ben 
Cooper. 

As he spoke the commander-in-chief dashed 
down the side of the hill, the white charger 
moving like the wind ; with voice ringing 
with confidence, he called up Mercer’s broken 
force. 

Turn and at them, my brave fellows. 
Shall it be said that you ran with arms in 
your hands? ” 

Here and there a man paused ; and no 
sooner had he done so than some others joined 
him ; in a few moments the breathless officers 
were reforming them into lines and gasping 
out words of encouragement. Through a 
flight of bullets, Washington swept up and 
down, giving orders, shouting encouragement, 
waving his sword in circles of light. Never 
was there a plainer mark for the stray bullet 
which usually brings greatness down ; but, as 
Providence willed, none found it then. 

The Pennsylvanians, wavering under the 
cannon shot of Mawhood, saw this act of dar- 
ing on the part of their chief, and steadied 
instantly. A battery of artillery now opened 
upon the British from a hilltop, and the 


PRINCETON 


91 


grape-shot began to cut them down. And, as 
though this were not enough, a Virginia regi- 
ment broke from out the woods and charged 
furiously upon them. 

Almost in a single moment Mawhood was 
plunged from the height of success to a situa- 
tion of desperate danger. But he was skilful 
and brave, and not the sort to fail in any kind 
of action ; with high courage he drove his men 
at the ring that had all but closed him in and 
fought his way back to the Trenton road. 

Washington, as he dashed to and fro, as 
much endangered by the fire of his own men 
as that of the British, witnessed this gallant 
effort of Mawhood's with admiration ; never- 
theless he sent a detachment of the Pennsyl- 
vanians in pursuit with directions to break 
down the bridge upon their return, in order 
that General Leslie, of Cornwallis^ rear guard, 
might be delayed should he advance to attack 
them before their task was done. 

While this sharp encounter was in progress, 
another British regiment, the 55th, was met 
nearer Princeton by the American general St. 
Clair; a steep ravine was the scene of this 
struggle, which was brief but desperate ; the 


92 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

British broke and fled across the flelds toward 
Brunswick ; seeing them in flight, the re- 
maining regiment, which had not come up 
in time to be of assistance to their fellows, also 
broke ; a part of them hurried in the direction 
of Brunswick, but a strong body threw them- 
selves into the college building at Princeton 
and began a stubborn resistance. 

They were firing from windows and from 
protected parts of the roof when Ben Cooper, 
bearing a dispatch from Washington to St. 
Clair, rode up. As St. Clair tore open the 
dispatch, he said grimly to one of his colonels : 

Bring up the guns ; we’ll try if this stu- 
dent body can stand before a row of such 
schoolmasters.” 

The artillery wheeled into place and began 
hurling their shot into the college. It took 
but a few moments of this to bring the cry 
for quarter from within. The doors were 
flung open, and the Americans rushed into 
the building, where the British had thrown 
down their arms. 

But some of them, apparently, had not 
agreed to giving up so readily ; and as the 
victors rushed in at one end, they dashed for 


PRINCETON 


93 


the windows at the other, leaped through and 
went racing away. A party was dispatched 
in pursuit, but later returned with only a 
handful ; the others had escaped in the woods. 

Washington pursued the routed regiments 
as far as Kingston ; here, with his officers, he 
held a council of war. It was decided that the 
men were too worn out to push on to Brunswick 
with any speed, and that Cornwallis would 
be upon them before they could reach there. 
Tlie word was therefore given, and the army, 
destroying bridges behind them, marched 
away toward the wooded and frowning heights 
about Morristown. 

And as they went, Ben Cooper rode at the 
side of Nat Brewster, his face thoughtful and 
his manner strangely still. At length Nat 
noticed it. 

What has happened ? ” he asked, anx- 
iously. 

“Nothing,’^ replied Ben. That is,’^ he 
added, nothing as yet. But I fear that 
something — a something that neither you nor 
I can put hands upon — will happen, and per- 
haps at no distant time.’^ 

Nat looked at him in surprise. 


94 the young continentals 

I donT understand/^ said he. 

“ Nor I, if it conies to that,” returned Ben. 
Then after a short pause, he inquired : “ Do 
you recall my saying, last night, that I fancied 
I heard, in conversation with General Mifflin, 
the voice of a stranger whom I had en- 
countered in Philadelphia?” 

Yes.” 

Well,” said Ben, and there was an odd 
foreboding in his tone, this morning, at one 
of the windows of Princeton College, while 
the British were escaping, I thought I saw his 
face.” 


CHAPTER VI 


TELLS HOW BEN COOPER ENCOUNTERED THE MAN 
WITH THE YELLOW SMILE 

Before retiring on the night before, Lord 
Cornwallis had looked at the lines of American 
camp-fires and listened to the sound of the 
mattocks and spades at the east end of the 
bridge. 

“ In the morning,” said my lord, using the 
language of the English huntsman, I will 
bag the fox.” 

At daylight, however, the thunder of 
cannon from the direction of Princeton awoke 
him from his sleep ; once without he saw the 
dying watch-fires and deserted camp of the 
Americans. 

They are gone,” said his general, Grant, 
in a tone which was one of mixed wonder and 
rage. They have escaped us.” 

Again came the roar of guns from along 
the Princeton road. 

Harken to that,” said Cornwallis, bitterly. 

95 


96 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

They have probably not only escaped us, 
but are making a rush upon Brunswick to 
capture our stores/^ 

With the celerity of trained soldiers, the 
British veterans got under way, and at top 
speed, with their officers urging them on, 
they marched toward Princeton. The Penn- 
sylvania militia had ceased their pursuit and 
were engaged in destroying the bridge at 
Stony Brook ; it was partly down when the 
cannon of Cornwallis drove them away ; then, 
unable to pass by way of the bridge, the 
British, horse, foot and artillery, plunged into 
the cold water and gained the other side. 

But the delay at the bridge permitted the 
Americans to draw a long and safe distance 
away ; and seeing that there was no hope of 
overtaking them, Cornwallis pushed on to 
Brunswick, thankful at least that his stores 
were safe. 

The American troops were still on the 
march toward the hills when Ben was sum- 
moned by an ensign to report to the com- 
mander-in-chief. Riding through a press of 
officers, his right hand at the salute, the boy 
reached the side of Washington. 


THE YELLOW SMILE 


97 


Is your mount fresh enough to make a 
second journey to Philadelphia?” asked the 
commander. 

“ Yes, general.” 

“ I have another message for Mr. Robert 
Morris ; and as there is no time to write it, 
you must carry it as you carried his to me.” 

Ben saluted. 

“ The money which he was to dispatch on 
the night of the first has been delayed, so 
Master Morris states in a letter received but 
now. Say to him that the utmost care must 
be exercised in the transportation of the coin, 
because of the unsettled state of the roads ; say 
that I desire him to have a guard accompany 
the carriage, and instruct the person in charge 
to make for Morristown and not Trenton.” 

There were some minor additions to this ; 
and upon receiving the order, Ben wheeled 
his horse and rode back to his friends. 

Back to Philadelphia,” he announced, 
and at once.” 

They gathered around him and offered 
advice as to the most trustworthy way of mak- 
ing his journey. It was no child’s task to cover 
the ground between their present situation and 


98 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

the river, as they well knew. Ben shook 
each of them by the hand and bid them good- 
bye ; then taking a rough by-road which ran 
almost directly toward the Delaware, he 
spurred forward upon his mission. 

It was almost noon and the January sun 
sparkled upon the snow-covered fields ; lower 
and redder it fell in the west until at length, 
when he sighted the ice-packed Delaware, the 
long shadows were stealing along the fringes 
of woods and upon the eastern slopes of the 
hills. 

The cold which had so fortunately followed 
the veering of the wind upon the night before, 
freezing the soft road under the feet of the 
American troops, had here served a like pur- 
pose. The river was a solid mass and, after 
a little examination, Ben had no hesitation in 
venturing his horse upon it ; the footing was 
strong every step of the way and he arrived 
upon the far side without any trouble. 

That was a piece of rare fortune,” muttered 
Ben, as he sat in the saddle and looked back 
at the long stretch of gray ice; “indeed, it 
was by far the most uncertain part of the 
journey.” 


THE YELLOW SMILE 


99 


With a brief stop upon the river bank to 
rest his horse he rode forward upon the way to 
Bristol, and pulled up at the inn at that place 
some time after dark. There was a cheery light 
streaming through the inn windows; the sparks 
that flew from the chimney told of a roaring 
fire, and the scent of most excellent cook- 
ing crept out of the keyholes and under the 
doors. After his horse had been seen to, Ben 
was about to enter, when the hostler, a pale 
little man, with scant light hair, and mild 
eyes, said rather hesitatingly : 

“ These be rather uncertain times upon the 
road, sir.” 

“ Ay, and every other place,” answered Ben, 
with a smile. 

The pale little hostler shook his head. 

But the road is the worst of all, I think,” 
said he. “ For, you see, sir,” in explanation, 

the road is most frequented — especially a 
road like this. And being a great deal 
frequented,” ominously, a great many des- 
perate characters are to be found upon it.” 

Ben looked at him ; there was something 
in the mild face which held his attention. 

Ah, yes,” said the lad, “ desperate charac- 


loo THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 


ters. In wild times like these there are many 
such, no doubt.” 

“ You may say so, young gentleman, you 
may say so, indeed. We are in fair terror of 
some of them, at times. They come here and 
do as they please ; and if we say but a word 
they threaten our lives.” He paused and one 
hand stroked the horse’s neck for a moment; 
then he added : Perhaps you wouldn’t care 
to go in there,” with a nod toward the inn 
door, “ if you knew that one of that sort was 
within.” 

Ben smiled good naturedly. 

Why,” said he, “ I confess, friend, that I 
have no great liking for such persons. But 
as my business at this time brings me in con- 
tact with more or less ungentle conduct, I 
don’t suppose that I need put myself about 
because of a trifle additional.” 

He nodded, still smiling, to the little man, 
and lifting the latch entered the inn. As he 
had noted, the room was filled with candle- 
light ; a great fire of billets crackled and 
blazed in the fireplace ; and the smell of 
savory dishes being prepared in copper sauce- 
pans came with added distinctness to his nos- 


THE YELLOW SMILE 


101 


trils. Ben’s round face, fresh colored cheeks 
and merry eyes always made him liked wher- 
ever he went, and as he stood stamping the 
snow from his boots in the doorway, he said 
to the buxom landlady : 

“ A good-evening to you, mistress ; I hope 
your cooking is as good as it smells, for I am 
well toward being famished.” 

He knocked some clogging particles from 
his heels with the stock of his riding whip ; 
and as he was doing so, he noted with surprise 
that his cheery greeting was not replied to. 
He had stopped at the inn upon frequent oc- 
casions, and was known to the landlady ; 
never before had she failed to bid him wel- 
come. 

So glancing up, he was about to say some- 
thing more, when he noticed that her face was 
pale, and that she was trembling with anger. 

And so, landlady,” said a voice, “ I may 
have no supper, eh ? ” 

You may have supper, sir,” said the 
woman. “ You have but to conduct yourself 
in a fitting manner.” 

The person whom she addressed was a huge, 
loose-jointed fellow with long black hair as 


102 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 


straight as that of an Indian, and attired in a 
soiled traveling costume. He had sharp, ratty 
black eyes and a wide, thin-lipped mouth. His 
grin at the landlady’s words showed a row of 
yellowed teeth. 

Conduct myself in a fitting manner,” said 
he ; why, mistress, you asking that is like 
demanding that the fire be warm or the 
breeze be cool. I always so conduct myself” 
“ That you do it now is all I ask,” said the 
landlady. 

“ Then serve my supper, which I see upon 
the coals ; it seems to be done to a nicety, and 
I am rarely hungry.” 

Again I tell you that these,” and the land- 
lady pointed to the saucepans bubbling away 
in the fireplace, ‘‘ belong to those who came 
before you. It is the rule of the inn to serve 
its patrons in turn ; and I do not intend to 
break my rules at this late day.” 

But I assure you, good mistress, that I am 
one who has very little respect for rules of 
whatsoever description,” said the man. A 
supper I want, and a supper I will have, and 
that speedily.” 

It is a young lady, I tell you,” said the 


THE YELLOW SMILE 


103 

hostess; and with her is a weak old man, 
her father/^ 

“ Young ladies have no business upon the 
road in these times,” said the fellow, his yel- 
lowed teeth well displayed. “ And as for weak 
old men, better for them if they stopped at 
home at all times.” 

Ben crossed the room and stood by the fire- 
place, his back to the blaze ; the night was 
cold, and the heat was comforting. 

Better, indeed,” said the landlady, when 
they must be interfered with by such as 
you.” 

** Keep a civil tongue in your head,” said 
the man, and his yellow smile grew particu- 
larly evil ; his narrow eyes sparkled with 
anger, and his great, bony hands grasped the 
arms of his chair. 

** There are few, if any, that can say that I 
ever treated them uncivilly,” maintained the 
landlady, ** and if my words are at all severe, 
it is your own fault.” 

We have had a-plenty of words,” growled 
the man; “a-plenty, good lady, and we'll 
have no more. A supper I want at once, and 
a supper I will have, so have some of your 


104 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

kitchen folk serve it to me, or upon my soul I 
will serve it myself I ” 

As the landlady said nothing, the man with 
the yellow teeth arose ; and as he did so a 
door leading to an inner room opened and a 
young girl appeared. 

“ My father is quite comfortable now,’’ she 
said to the landlady. Thanks to your kind- 
ness in so looking after us,” she added, with a 
grateful look and smile. He says he would 
like to eat something if it is quite ready ; and 
that is a very encouraging sign, indeed.” 

“His supper is just right,” said the land- 
lady, her lips set firmly together, as she gave 
the insistent guest a defiant look. She had 
crossed about half the room when he stepped 
before her. To avoid him she moved aside ; 
then his huge hand closed upon her arm ; and 
startled, she uttered a smothered shriek. At 
this there came a feeble answering cry ; in 
the doorway where the girl had appeared, 
stood a tottering old gentleman in a dressing 
gown and supporting himself by means of a 
stick. 

“ Daughter,” he cried, “ Betsy, my dear I ” 

“ Here, father,” and the girl ran to him. 


THE YELLOW SMILE 


105 


** I thought I heard you cry out,” said the 
old man. “ And I came to your assistance.” 

The man with the yellow smile laughed 
loudly at this. 

Good for you, old rooster,” said he, highly 
entertained. “ You are a game one, but over 
old to be of use. And now, mistress,” to the 
landlady, will you out of my way while I 
see to my boiled mutton?” 

He gave her a fling at which she cried out 
once more. The old man tottered forward, 
his stick grasped in one quavering hand. But 
his dim old eyes flashed for all his feebleness, 
and he cried out bravely : 

What, sir I and would you lift a hand to 
a woman ? ” 

The man showed his yellow teeth, much as 
a dog might have done. 

Old sir,” he warned, meddle not where 
you have no acquaintance. As for the woman, 
I’d never laid a hand on her had she not been 
so stubborn.” 

He’d eat your supper, sir, that’s what he’d 
do,” sobbed the landlady. The hungry 
wretch cares for no one.” 

Bight there, mistress,” jeered the man. 


io6 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 


“ I do not, indeed. And to show that I do 
not, here’s for the saucepans, for I can with- 
stand the temptations of their smell no 
longer.” 

With that he strode, with mouth agrin, 
toward the fireplace ; the old man waved his 
stick feebly but was thrust aside with no 
gentle hand ; and then the fellow came face to 
face with Ben Cooper. 

Pale-faced landladies, slim young girls and 
tottering old men seemed of the sort that had 
no power to stop him ; and now he leered at 
the round-faced stripling with the fresh cheeks 
of a schoolboy. 

^‘Ah, you are there, are you, my lad?” 
said he, with enjoyment plain in his voice. 

Ben looked at him quietly and nodded. 

“ Yes,” said he ; “here I am, and here I have 
been for some time. Indeed,” thoughtfully, 
“ I think I came during the first discussion 
with regard to the rights of the earlier 
patron.” 

“ Ah, did you so ! ” The man waved him 
aside with one huge hand. “ Well, you have 
been there long enough. Stand aside.” 

But the lad did not move ; a wicked look 


THE YELLOW SMILE 


107 

came into the ratty eyes, and again the huge 
hand waved him away. 

“ Belike you’ll have me do more than wave 
with the hand,” said the man. “ I’ll give 
you a moment to choose.” 

Ben at once stepped aside, giving the ruffian 
a clear way to the fireplace. With the yellow 
grin wide upon his face, the man stooped to 
lift the bubbling saucepans from the fire. But 
before he could so much as touch them, some- 
thing beat a sharp rat-tat-tat upon his head ; 
leaping up, he found Ben regarding him 
calmly, a pistol in his hand. 

‘‘ You seem in haste, sir,” said the boy, as 
he trifled with the lock of his weapon care- 
lessly. It may be that the use of a pistol 
barrel to drive an idea into your head is not 
to your liking.” 

For an instant the man was taken aback, 
but he quickly recovered his poise. 

So they have taken to entrusting children 
with firearms?” sneered he. It is a thing 
of which I can’t say I approve ; and so, lad, I 
bid you to put that toy down, or I shall be 
compelled to assume your father’s place, and 
take a cudgel to you.” 


io8 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 


** It’s a cold night,” said the youth, but I 
fancy that you can bear the cold much better 
than we can your company.” The pistol 
barrel indicated the door. So go at once, 
and let us have no further waste of words.” 

The man saw that his attitude of disbelief 
in the boy would be of no use ; and so with 
an evil look, he crossed the floor and threw 
open the door. Then he halted. 

“This is not the first time that I’ve seen 
you,” he said. “ I make no mistake in you, 
because you were carefully pointed out to me 
by a gentleman who has,” here the yellow 
smile was most manifest, “ your future much 
in mind.” 

“ That,” said Ben, quietly, “ is very thought- 
ful of him.” 

The man nodded. 

“ Ay ; and he’ll continue to be thoughtful, 
unless I am much mistaken in him. He is a 
man who, when he once becomes interested in 
any one, seldom lets him slip his mind. And 
in your case,” the man gestured admiringly, 
“ he has gone so far as to provide against his 
forgetting. He has desired me to also re^ 
member you ; and you may depend,” with a 


THE YELLOW SMILE 


109 

laugh that made the good landlady shudder, 
that no matter what he may do, I shall not 
forget.'^ 

And with that the door slapped to, and the 
man was gone. 


CHAPTER VII 


IN WHICH THE HOSTLER SEES TWO SHADOWS IN 
THE ROAD 

There was a complete silence fora moment 
after the man had gone ; then the landlady 
spoke. 

Well, of all the knaves that ever turned a 
decent inn topsyturvy, that one is the worst.^^ 

The old gentleman approached Ben, his 
stick thumping the floor with each step. 

Young sir,’^ said he, in his piping voice, 
** I am thankful to you for the service you 
have rendered us.*^ 

Ben nodded his head and smiled in his 
usual good-natured way. 

Why,'^ said he, it is but a trifling thing 
to get rid of a rascal of that stripe. They sel- 
dom have the courage they seem to have.’’ 

“ Nevertheless,” and the old man held up 
his thin hand in protest, he was a formi- 
dable villain enough. I thank you, and my 
daughter thanks you.” 

110 


TWO SHADOWS 


111 


Here the girl came forward a step or two. 

I do thank you,” she said, sweetly ; I 
was in great fear of the man, for he seemed 
capable of anything.” Then as she saw Ben 
was of a mind to still make light of the mat- 
ter, she added, laughingly, “ Well, at any 
rate you have saved our boiled mutton and 
the rest of the things ; and even though you 
persist in refusing our thanks, perhaps you 
will not refuse to accept a part of our sup- 
per.” 

‘‘ Now, my dear, that was well thought of,” 
quavered the old gentleman, very well pleased. 

No doubt, young sir,” to Ben, you have 
ridden a long way and are both worn and 
hungry.” 

1 can answer ‘ yes * to the latter part,” 
laughed Ben, as he helped the landlady to set 
aside the saucepans, “ but I am not overtired, 
as I have ridden but from Princeton.” 

From Princeton, did you say ? ” The old 
gentleman was very eager. ** Then, perhaps, 
you came by way of Trenton and saw the army 
encamped ? ” 

Ben shook his head. 

“ No,” said he, I avoided Trenton as much 


112 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 


as I could. Lord Cornwallis is not in great 
good humor just now, and I did not care to 
fall into the hands of any of his people.’^ 

The old gentleman grasped the arm of a 
chair, and then sat down. 

“ Cornwallis in Trenton I Surely you are 
mistaken,” he said. ‘‘ Why, General Wash- 
ington is there.” 

“ He was there,” corrected Ben, but now 
he is at Morristown.” 

“ There has been a battle I ” cried the girl. 
‘‘ And we have been defeated.” 

The old man tried to rise out of the chair 
but fell back. 

“ No, no,” he said. That cannot be. If 
there was a battle, we were victorious I ” 

In that you are right,” said Ben. 

Thereupon, he related what had happened ; 
the three listened breathless ; and wdien he 
had done, they were filled with delight. 

Oh, it’s glorious I ” cried the girl, her face 
flushed, her eyes shining. 

“ Now, will the Hessians murder honest 
people in their beds ! ” said the landlady, her 
chin up and her arms akimbo. “ We’ll match 
them yet, never fear.” 


TWO SHADOWS 


113 

The old gentleman reached out until his 
hand rested upon the boy’s sleeve. 

You are of the army ? ” he asked, very 
quietly. 

** Yes,’' replied Ben, a courier and scout 
attached to the service of General Washing- 
ton." 

“ There are so many young officers," said 
the old man, that it is not likely that you 
have met with Lieutenant Claflin." 

Ben pondered a moment. 

** He is in General Cadwallader’s brigade," 
spoke the girl, her tone now as low as that of 
her father. A fair-haired young man, not 
over large, but strong." 

‘"Claflin," said Ben, thoughtfully. “Oh, 
yes, I recall him ; he seems to be mucli thought 
of by General Cadwallader. I saw them rid- 
ing side by side in the midst of the Pennsyl- 
vanians to-day." 

“After the battle?" The question was 
asked by the old gentleman and his daughter 
at the same instant. 

“ Why, yes, to be sure. The army was 
then well beyond Kingston, making for the 
hills." 


114 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

The old man cast his eyes upward, fer- 
vently ; the girl put her arms about his 
neck. 

There, there,^* she murmured, what did 
I tell you ? He is safe ; perfectly safe.^^ 

After a few moments the old. gentleman 
looked at the boy, who was talking in low 
tones with the landlady. 

He is my only son,” he explained, ** and I 
have been much put out by thoughts of his 
safety. Indeed, I am now on my way to the 
camp. I felt that there must soon be a battle, 
and I desired to see him once more.” 

They talked, while the landlady laid the 
table at the fire with her whitest linen and 
most shining delft. 

“ My name is Joseph Claflin,” said the old 
man. ** I once manufactured iron-mongery 
of many kinds, but am long since retired.” 

Ben glanced at him, surprised. 

Not the Joseph Claflin whose foundry is 
still on the Wissahickon, just above Weiss’s 
Mill ? ” said he. 

” Hah, you know the place then ? ” 

‘‘ I ought to, sir, seeing that I was born at 
no great distance from it. My name is 


TWO SHADOWS 


115 

Cooper, and my father’s place is near to the 
Mennonite Meeting House.” 

‘‘ Attorney Cooper’s son I Are you, indeed ? 
Let me shake your hand.” The old hands 
grasped the young ones in a quavering grip. 

Why, I have known him these many years ; 
yes, I knew him when he was not greatly 
older than yourself.” 

And so when they sat down to the smoking 
supper by the crackling fire they had many 
topics in common for discussion. The Claf- 
lins now resided in the city proper; but they 
knew Germantown still, and, so it seemed, 
frequently visited there. 

“ But,” said Mr. Claflin, you must call 
upon us when you get to Philadelphia and 
have some spare time ; our house is on Sassa- 
fras Street, not far from Crown, and you will 
be warmly welcome there at any time.” 

Miss Betsy Claflin added her invitation to 
that of her father. 

“ Perhaps, after the rough life of the camp, 
we can make you comfortable if even for only 
a few hours,” she said. So please do not 
fail, if you have the chance, to drop in on us 
when you are in the city.” 


ii6 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 


They talked for a long time after supper, 
and then Mr. Claflin and his daughter took 
their candles and retired to their rooms. 

I shall see you, of course, in the morning,’^ 
said the old gentleman, as they were going. 

We will be astir early, for we desire to start 
as soon as may be on the way to the camp.^^ 

After they had retired, Ben sat for a time 
chatting with the landlady. Then, thinking 
to go to bed himself, he arose. 

“ I shall see to my nag,’’ said he, and then 
get some sleep while I may.” 

** As to the horse,” replied the hostess, ** you 
may rest easy about him. The hostler, while 
he isn’t of much use when hectoring fellows 
make trouble in the inn, is an excellent hand 
with the cattle ; I never had a better.” 

Nevertheless, Ben went to the barn, and 
there, in the ill light of a lantern suspended 
from the rafters, he saw the small hostler 
seated upon a heap of grain sacks, reading an 
old newspaper. At sight of the lad, the man 
folded his paper carefully and laid it awa3^ 
For some little time he sat regarding Ben, as 
the latter patted his horse and rearranged its 
bed ; then he spoke. 


TWO SHADOWS 


117 


** He was a rare bad fellow, wasn’t he ? ” 

Ben turned and looked at him question- 
ingly, for the man with the yellow smile had 
vanished from his mind. 

Whom do you mean ? ” he asked. 

** Why,” said the hostler, his mild eyes 
wide open, ‘‘ he that was within there a 
while ago.” 

Oh, yes.” Ben laughed. I suppose he 
was as bad as may be. But it all depends 
upon how you take them. You see it turned 
out that he’ll do no more harm to-night.” 

The other shook his head. 

I am not so sure of that,” said he. 

There is more goes on of a night on the road 
than an honest body generally knows of.” 

Ben stood leaning against his nag, looking 
at the hostler. The dim rays of light fell 
upon the man with weird effect; his pale 
skin, light eyes and reddish hair gave him a 
most peculiar look. 

“It takes them as are familiar with the 
ways of the road after dark to understand it,” 
said the hostler, with a shake of the head. 
“ No one else can do it. Strange things hap- 
pen when night shuts everything else out. 


ii8 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 


Deeds are done that would make one shudder 
in the sunlight.” 

‘‘ You are one, I take it — from your talk, 
who is acquainted with the road after night- 
fall,” said Ben. 

The man nodded. 

‘‘ 1 am,” he replied. I am, though I donT 
just know why I should be, as I have no lik- 
ing for such things and am afraid of them.” 

We are not always master of the things 
that come to us,” said the lad. Perhaps it 
is not best that we should be.” 

“ It may be so,” said the hostler. ** But I 
for one cannot understand it. If I were big 
of body and had an enterprising mind, I might 
be able to come to hand grips with some of 
the people I take note of. But, as it stands, I 
am neither, and so must content myself with 
listening and looking and shaking my head.” 

How does one come to be acquainted with 
the road after dark ? ” asked Ben, curiously. 
** I have traveled it many times at all hours, 
and the night hours have seemed much the 
same as the others to me, except that the 
going was more difficult.” 

“ The secret of the night road does not come 




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TWO SHADOWS 


119 


to one who travels it merely/’ said the hostler, 
wisely. “ No, no. To get at the heart of it, 
one must study it, one must lie by its side, 
staring at it ; one must listen to the slightest 
murmur that stirs it, the smallest thing, the 
faintest whisper, the tiniest throb of life. He 
must have eyes that can pierce the darkness 
and ears that can catch sounds a great way off. 
And not only must he do all this, but he 
must be able to understand what he sees and 
hears and feels.” 

The speaker arose from the grain sacks, 
went to the barn window and looked cau- 
tiously out. Then he came close to Ben, and 
continued in a low voice : 

If I had not been able to do all this, how 
could I have understood what I saw to-night 
as I came from the mill, a mile beyond the 
turnpike road ? ” 

“ You saw something, then ? ” said Ben. 
The lad thought the man, from his queer 
words, must be slightly demented ; but, for 
all, there was an earnestness about him which 
compelled attention. 

“ I not only saw, but I heard,” said the 
hostler in the same low tone. ‘‘ You see, the 


120 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 


miller holds some grain belonging to the inn 
to be ground when wanted. And so to-night, 
after you had driven the bully away, I went 
to the mill to tell the miller that we’d need 
more rye on the morrow. I had not reached 
the main road on the way back, when I saw 
a thin shadow moving in the lighter shadows 
of the road ; and as I stopped to watch it, I saw 
a second shadow move out and join the first.” 

The man paused here, and one of his hands 
touched Ben upon the arm. 

It was here that my knowledge of the 
night road was of service. One who knew 
naught of its secrets would have seen nothing 
of this, or if they had chanced to see, would 
have considered it of no moment. But I un- 
derstood — the shadows could be nothing less 
than men — men who had met together for 
some purpose which, perhaps, was not of the 
best. 

‘‘ And so,” proceeded the hostler, knowing 
this, I must know more. They had paused, 
had the shadows, and it was an easy matter to 
approach them. There they stood by the 
roadside, close together, and their voices came 
clearly to my ears. 


TWO SHADOWS 


121 


* And/ said one of them, ^ you thought it 
well to keep me prowling up and down in the 
cold while you had your supper ? * 

^ It was no fault of my own,^ said the sec- 
ond. * I hurried the best I could. Indeed, if 
I had waited until they cooked a supper for 
me, I would have waited until midnight. As 
it was, I tried to come by that belonging to 
another, knowing you’d be awaiting me ; and 
I failed even in that.’ ” 

Ben drew in a breath long with interest ; 
the speaker went on : 

The other man laughed. * And so you 
have come out upon the venture with an empty 
stomach ? ’ said he. 

‘ I have,’ replied the other, ^ and all be- 
cause of a particular friend of yours who en- 
tered the inn while I was negotiating the meal.’ 
At this saying the other seemed puzzled ; and 
the man had to enlighten him. ^ A close 
friend of yours,’ said he, * and one of whom 
you spoke with some interest to me not many 
hours ago.’ ” 

Ah,” said Ben Cooper, softly. And what 
did he say to that ? ” 

** He was fair astonished, it seemed to me. 


122 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 


I saw the shadows spring apart, and I saw a 
movement as though the man had taken out 
a firearm. 

‘ Ah,* said he, * and so he is there I Well, 
that is a stroke of good fortune that I did not 
expect. Back you go to this inn, and I with 
you ; we’ll see to this friend of mine at 
once.’” 

An earnest fellow,” said Ben, quietly. 
** He would be about his business without 
delay.” 

** But the other checked him,” spoke the 
hostler ; it would seem that there was other 
and more pressing work toward. ^ Don’t for- 
get,’ said he, * that the hours are passing ; and 
while we are meddling about an inn, wasting 
time with a boy, the carriage may pass.’ ” 

“ The carriage ? ” said Ben Cooper, and a 
startled look came into his face. 

“ ‘ The carriage may pass,’ were his words,” 
said the hostler. ‘‘ And without another in- 
stant’s delay the two started off toward the 
main road, and I saw nothing more of 
them.” 

Ben remained looking at the man for a 
space ; then he asked : 


TWO SHADOWS 


123 

** You don’t know what direction they took, 
then, when they reached the main road? ” 

1 lost sight of them in the by-road,” said 
the hostler ; but,” with some pride, ‘‘ I can 
tell you which way they took for all that. 
My ears made out that they took to the south- 
ward.” 

A carriage from the direction of Phila- 
delphia,” muttered the boy as he crossed the 
yard to the inn with hasty steps. ‘‘ And being 
waited for by a gentleman who is much inter- 
ested in having harm befall myself. I think,” 
as he pushed open the door, “ this is a matter 
which will bear some little examination.” 


CHAPTER VIII 


SHOWS HOW BEN COOPER WENT FORTH INTO THE 
NIGHT AND WHAT DISCOVERY HE MADE 
BY THE WAYSIDE 

Ben Cooper had left his holster pistols slung 
from the back of a chair in the public room ; 
so now when he strode in, took them up and 
looked at their locks and primings, the good 
landlady of the inn opened her eyes. 

‘‘ What now ? she asked. ‘‘ Has anything 
gone wrong ? 

Not yet,^' answered Ben ; ** but,^^ smiling, 
** there is no knowing, according to your hos- 
tler, what will befall on the road after night.^^ 

“ Pay no attention to what he says upon that 
point I exclaimed the woman. He is fair 
mad about it. If he can get any one to listen 
to his talk about the road, especially the road 
after dark, he's happy. Pay no attention to 
him." 

** It so chances," said Ben, that I am 
much struck by something which he has said, 
124 


A DISCOVERY 


125 


and have the curiosity to look further into it/' 
He placed the pistols in his belt, and provided 
himself with ammunition. I shall, perhaps, 
be gone some time. If I return after you are 
all abed, I will not arouse you, so have no 
fear upon that score. There is hay in the barn 
loft, I know, and I can make myself comfort- 
able enough in that for a few hours." 

The landlady was still expostulating when 
he departed, and as he walked down the ice- 
bound road, he heard her calling shrilly to 
the hostler. 

He’s in for a rare, good drubbing," laughed 
Ben, to himself. The hostess is a famous 
scold when she is herself, as I’ve often heard." 

The night was dark and bitterly cold, and 
the lad drew his greatcoat well about him, 
and plunged his hands deep into his pockets. 

‘‘ By all appearances, the carriage is to be 
met hereabouts," he mused, as he stumbled 
along. As they have no horses, it seems 
reasonable to think that this is so. Therefore, 
I must be as cautious as I can, for there is no 
telling where these two worthies may be lurk- 
ing." 

The wind lifted as he went along and 


126 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 


soon he felt damp particles of snow upon his 
face. 

“ A storm/’ said Ben. I trust it will not 
block the road, if it prove that I must go on 
to Philadelphia.” 

The fall increased ; and the wind took up 
the flakes, whirling them about madly. In a 
very short time the night began to lighten, 
for the snow clung to the trees and bush and 
so mantled the earth as to make things rather 
plain to be seen. 

“ I must be more careful than ever now,” 
Ben told himself, his eyes sharply ahead. “ If 
they should chance to be hiding near the road 
I am sure to be observed.” 

To prevent this he left the road and began 
making bis way through a thin growth of 
tall pines. The ground was thick with a 
carpet of needles, over which lay the light 
snow, so his footsteps were soft and cat-like. 
Suddenly ahead there loomed a sort of barrier 
of boughs, and from behind it came the faint 
sparkle of fire. 

With increased caution the boy advanced, 
and as he drew near to the boughs, he caught 
the murmur of a voice. The sound continued. 


A DISCOVERY 


127 


and Ben fancied that it must be some persons 
engaged in conversation ; but upon approach- 
ing the sound he was astonished to discover 
that it was some one singing. 

Oh, ye Irish lads of fair renown, 

Come listen unto me, 

And ni relate a bitter fate 
That happened on the sea. 

It was in the dark December 
Upon the Baltic coast 

Just what happened upon the Baltic coast 
is something of a mystery, for at that point 
the singing broke off and a voice was raised in 
lamentation. 

Oh, by this and by that,^^ it said, ** is there 
ne’er a stick of dry wood in all America to 
keep a poor gossoon from freezing to the mar- 
row ? Faith, here I am with sorra the coat to 
me back, and the wind whistlin’ a jig tune 
about me two ears. Oh, worra, worra, why 
didn’t they leave me stop at home in Ireland 
where I was happy, and not bring me to this 
place to fight the poor people who only ax the 
right to live dacently.” 

In a little flare cast by the fire, Ben saw a 
round-headed, well-built lad, with a shock of 


128 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 


sandy hair and an honest, comical-looking 
face. He was grubbing among the brush for 
something to add to his fire, but apparently 
all that was not frozen to the ground was wet 
by the snow, and he was meeting with but 
poor success. However, in spite of this, and 
with his teeth chattering, he began to sing 
once more. 

’Twas in the hills of Wicklow 
First I saw the light of day, 

And, my father’s cabin round, 

I, as a child, did play. 

TJntil one morning in the spring ” 

What occurred on this particular morning 
must take its place beside the episode of the 
Baltic coast; for once more did the singer 
stop, and break forth into complaining : 

“ ’Secure to the dry chip is there anywhere. 
Oh, then must I get my death, entirely, in a 
strange place and with people all about who 
think me a thief of the world because I fought 
on the side of the Sassanach ? Bless us and 
save us 1 It’s rather fight against them I 
would, any time, than for them.” 

At this point Ben stepped around the bar- 
rier of boughs and into the circle of light cast 


A DISCOVERY 


129 


by the fire. The sandy-haired youth leaped 
up and seized a cudgel which was lying beside 
him ; whirling it about his head, he cried 
boldly enough : 

Stop where you are, or by this and by 
that, you’ll have this lump of a stick clatter- 
ing about the head of you I ” 

Ben stood smilingly regarding him. 

How did you make your way all the 
distance without being found out ? ” 

The other, seeing that, at least, no immedi- 
ate attack was meditated, lowered his bludgeon. 
“ What’s that you say ? ” he demanded. 

I ask you, how did you get so far from 
Trenton without being discovered?” 

From Trenton, is it?” cautiously. And, 
sure, who told you I come from Trenton ? ” 

The clothes you wear,” said Ben, as he sat 
down upon a log. You threw the coat away 
because it was red ; but the other things tell 
just as plainly that you are a British soldier.” 

Here the cudgel was grasped firmly once 
more, and the sandy-haired lad took a step 
forward. 

‘‘Is it me that you call such a name?” 
demanded he. “ Is it Paddy Burk that you 


130 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

call by so disgraceful a title? True for you, 
I did wear the red coat, and true again that I 
threw it in a ditch — because I hated it. But 
never was I a British soldier. I was an Irish 
boy compelled to wear a British soldier’s 
clothes, but never for a minute was I anything 
less.” 

You are a deserter, then,” said Ben. 

“ I left them just as honestly as they en- 
listed me. There was I at home, a raw boy, 
knowing nothing and listening to the tales 
the dragoon sergeant told of foreign parts. 
And when he handed me the ^shilling,’ I took 
it thinking he only meant to be generous with 
me, and never dreaming that it made me a 
redcoat.” 

I’ve heard that they do such things,” said 
Ben. 

And then off they took me,” lamented 
Paddy Burk. Off they took me to a big 
town and put me on board a ship with dozens 
more like me, and over we came to America 
as British soldiers — a thing we never thought 
to be.” 

You were with the army of Cornwallis, I 
suppose,” said Ben. 


A DISCOVERY 


131 

“ Yes/^ replied the other. I was with him 
till he reached the place where they tried to 
cross the bridge, and the Americans drove 
them back. It was yesterday, I think. Then 
I got a good chance and took leg bail for it 
across the river on the ice. And,’’ with feel- 
ing, “ here I am wandering about with never 
a bite nor sup since then ; and it’s fair weak 
with the hunger I am.” 

There was a moment’s silence, then Ben 
Cooper spoke. 

You don’t like the British service, then ? ” 

** Like it 1 ” The sandy-haired lad gripped 
his cudgel in both hands. Sure, and how 
could any one with Irish blood in his veins like 
it? ” 

Perhaps,” said Ben, “ you’d prefer that of 
America.” 

The cudgel was lowered and an interested 
look appeared upon the face of the boy. 

Now that,” said he, ** is a different thing. 
I would have tried to find General Washing- 
ton’s army, but I was afeered to go back across 
the river.” He stared at Ben, anxiously. 
** Maybe now it’s yourself that could tell me 
how to find it.” 


132 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

** Well/’ said Ben, one of the first things 
that should be done in your case is to get you 
warm and provide you with some food. Then 
we can think of the rest.” 

The face of the Irish boy brightened up 
wonderfully. 

** Arrah, then it’s the great lad ye are ! ” he 
cried, with admiration. “ Sure, a bite to eat 
and a fire with a trifle of heat in it would be 
as welcome as the sun in the morning.” 

** But,” proceeded Ben, “ before I can do 
anything else, I must first see to a matter 
of great importance. As for you,” and he 
pointed in the direction of the road, take 
that way until you come to an inn, less than 
a mile away. Say to the landlady that ” 

Here the other interrupted him. 

** Ah, sure, it would make no matter what 
I’d say to her. It would be all the same, faith. 
She’d up with the broom and drive me away 
from the door for a vagabond.” 

** But ” said Ben, and again he was 

interrupted. 

** Wherever you do be going,” said Paddy 
Burk, ‘Met me go with you; and when we 
come to a place where there’s a bit of comfort 


A DISCOVERY 


133 

to be had, sure, then, you can speak for me 
yourself.’^ 

Seeing that the lad was fixed in his belief 
that no one would receive him if his plea were 
unsupported, Ben^s mind was instantly made 
up. 

Come, then,’^ said he, arising, “ and make 
yourself ready for a little adventure.^^ 

Ah,’^ said Paddy Burk, and he passed his 
hand lovingly over the length of his stout 
club, that would be another name for a 
^ ruction,' Pm thinking. Well, by this and by 
that, when there’s such to the fore, no one ever 
saw Paddy Burk stand back and look on.” 

Ben laughed. 

Perhaps, Paddy,” said he, ** you’ll get your 
fill of * ructions,’ as you call them ; for there 
is something ahead which promises well in 
that direction.” 

In a few moments they had put out the fire 
and were trudging away under the trees, 
the wind whirling the snow about their faces 
and into their eyes. Ben kept his bearings 
and never allowed himself to get far from the 
road ; indeed, he skirted it very closely, his 
companion trudging along at his side. 


134 the young continentals 

Suddenly the latter said : 

“Whist! What is that beyant there? Is 
it a house, I dunno, or is it somebody carry- 
ing a light ? 

At almost the same moment Ben had per- 
ceived the dim spark through the falling snow. 

“ It is moving, said he, “ and that shows 
that it is a light that is being carried.’^ They 
paused for a time and watched the spark. 

“ It is slowly growing brighter,” commented 
Ben, “ and that proves that it is coming 
toward us.” 

A little more observation showed that the 
light must be upon the road. 

“ Many’s the time I’ve seen the lights 
coming on that way on the night before 
market day at Ballysampson,” said Paddy 
Burk. “ They’d move a weeny bit this way, 
and a small bit that way, according to the 
turns in the road, and all the time they’d be 
a-blinking like a one-eyed dragon out of a 
fairy book.” 

Ben, with a sharp intaking of the breath, 
drew out his pistols. The other perceived the 
action in the dim light thrown up by the 
snow. 


A DISCOVERY 


135 

Ah, ha,’^ said he, and so here is where 
the ruction starts. Well,'' with a brisk whirl 
of his cudgel, the sooner the better, for a 
trifle of exercise would warm me, so it 
would.'' 

“ The first point I must warn you on is to 
keep silence," said Ben, one hand uplifted. 

A wagon or carriage is expected at any time, 
bearing matters of moment for the American 
camp. I have reason to think that it is to be 
stopped near here." 

“ And you think," said Paddy Burk, in a 
whisper, that this, with the light, may be 
the carriage ? " 

I do," replied Ben Cooper. ** But come, 
let us make our way to the roadside." 

They turned at a sharp angle and started 
for the road ; and as they reached it there 
came a sudden shout ; a pistol shot rang out, 
and the moving lamp came to a stand far 
down the snowy road. 

With the pistols gripped in his hands, Ben 
ran forward; as he neared the halted vehicle, 
he saw a man climbing down from a high 
seat, and another holding a pistol at his head. 
In the snow lay a dark, huddled form, and 


136 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

over it stood a man in a long greatcoat, his 
hands stuffed into his pockets. 

Have mercy, good folk,’^ whined the man, 
climbing down from the driver’s seat. “ Take 
pity upon one who never did you harm.” 

The man with the pistol answered with a 
brutal kick, at which the other howled loudly. 

“ Now hold your tongue, or you’ll get worse 
than that,” said the man with the pistol. 

‘‘The money is here — safe in the bags,” 
cried the coward. “ Don’t harm me and I 
will show you where to find it.” 

He was creeping toward the carriage once 
more when Ben Cooper’s first pistol exploded, 
and missed. The man who had kicked the 
driver whirled about savagely, but the second 
pistol laid him low ; then the youth dropped 
both empty weapons in the road and leaped 
for the man in the greatcoat. 

This person, however, stepped back, so as to 
avoid the full force of the rush ; then he lifted 
an empty pistol which he held in his hand, 
and dropped it skilfully upon the boy’s head. 
Ben staggered beneath the shock of the 
blow ; the pistol lifted to repeat, but the lad, 
shaken though he was, dodged, and in an- 


A DISCOVERY 


J37 

other instant had seized the other round the 
body. 

The man in the greatcoat was powerfully 
made, and did not hesitate to grapple with his 
foe ; but in spite of his great strength he found 
in the boy a supple, eel-like quality that made 
him difficult to master. Then to make matters 
worse for him, he stumbled over the prostrate 
form in the road and went down with the boy 
upon him. In an instant Ben had planted a 
knee in his chest, and gripped him about the 
throat. 

All this had taken but a moment ; and as 
Ben clung to his antagonist he felt a glow of 
triumph. But in this he was premature, for 
just then the man who had gone down under 
his pistol shot arose to his feet, the blood 
streaming from a wound in his scalp, and 
lurched toward the boy. It would have gone 
hard with the latter had not fortune favored 
him that night. Cramped by the cold and 
weakened by hunger, Paddy Burk had labored 
along a score or more paces in the rear. But 
now, as the newly arisen man was dragging 
Ben Cooper from the one he held pinned to 
the ground, the Irish lad was upon him with 


138 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

a whoop ; the cudgel twirled gaily and the 
man dropped to the road once more. 

“ Up on the seat with you/' directed Paddy, 
glaring at the driver. 

But the speaker’s face looked so dis- 
torted in the dim lantern light that the 
driver was stricken with fear and could not 
move. 

“ Then I’ll up for you,” said Paddy, 
promptly. Inside with you,” to Ben, who 
stood still dazed from the blow he had re- 
ceived ; “ and as for you,” pointing his bludg- 
eon at the man with the greatcoat, who was 
scrambling out of the snow, “ keep your dis- 
tance, or by this and by that, I’ll give you a 
taste of the stick that you’ll not like.” 

With that he leaped upon the seat of the 
vehicle, and grasped the reins; Ben, after a 
bewildered glance within that showed him a 
heap of canvas bags snugly tucked away in 
a corner, stumbled in and dropped upon a 
seat. Then with a yell at the now plunging 
horses, the Irish lad waved his cudgel above 
his head. 

“ Away with you, my beauties,” he cried ; 
sure it is mesilf that will give you a loose 


A DISCOVERY 


139 

rein all the way to General Washington’s 
camp if need be.” 

And so away they tore with their precious 
load, the lantern swaying madly, the carriage 
pitching from side to side. 


CHAPTER IX 


DEALS WITH THE ARRIVAL OF GILBERT MOTIER, 
MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE 

The dawn was well past when Ben Cooper 
and Paddy Burk dashed up before the Free- 
masons Tavern at Morristown in the carriage 
containing the fifty thousand dollars in silver 
and gold coin sent by Robert Morris. Word 
was at once carried to the commander-in-chief 
by the officer in charge ; then the bags were 
carried into the building and placed safely 
under guard. 

General Washington was at breakfast some 
hours later when Ben and the Irish lad were 
sent in, in response to his request. He re- 
ceived Ben kindl}^ and thanked him with the 
utmost warmth for his gallant conduct. The 
lad, when given the opportunity, told Paddy 
Burkes story as to how he was impressed into 
the British army, of his desertion, and of his 
rare courage in the rescue of the money hags. 

If it had not been for him, Your Excel- 
140 


MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE 141 

lency/^ said young Cooper, all that I at- 
tempted would have gone for nothing. He’s 
one of the bravest fellows I ever saw, and,’' 
eagerly, he would like to join with us against 
the British.” 

Paddy’s hand went to his forelock by way 
of salute. 

“ It’s not like as if I were playing the trai- 
tor to them, your honor,” he said. “ For 
sorra the one of them had any right to me ; 
they got me by deception, and if 1 made away 
from them by the same means, small blame to 
me.” 

The commander smiled. 

“ Do you desire to join with us? ” he asked. 

“ I do, if you please, your honor — that is, if 
I can join the troop that Misther Cooper is 
with, sir.” 

I dare say it can be arranged,” smiled the 
general. ‘‘You seem to be of the character 
needed for a scout and courier.” He turned 
to an officer near by. “ Attend to this, Har- 
rison, if you please.” 

The general’s secretary accordingly led the 
Irish lad out of the inn ; and before long he 
was duly added to the scouts in the service of 


142 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

headquarters. Nat Brewster, Ezra and George 
Prentiss and the Porcupine took to their new 
comrade at once ; and his shrewd sayings, 
comical manners and quaint songs added to 
the good feeling the more they saw of him. 

After this there were no large movements 
for a long time ; Washington established posts 
completely across the Jerseys, connecting with 
the forts on the Hudson highlands. The tem- 
porary halting place proved to be just the 
spot for a winter quarters, and being almost 
equally near to Amboy, Brunswick and New- 
ark, was a most excellent place from which to 
carry on a system of forays, raids and other 
harassing movements ; the hills and dense 
forests afforded an almost complete protection 
from counter attacks of a serious nature. 

Slowly the winter wore on ; brilliant ex- 
ploits marked it from time to time ; the Amer- 
ican troops became a terror to the British^ 
who were not only driven out of the Jerseys, 
but were compelled to keep to one or two very 
narrowly defined districts. 

The British government was making vast 
preparations for the coming campaign in the 
spring, however. More Hessians were being 


MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE 143 

brought to take the place of those captured at 
Trenton. Burgoyne was coming to head a 
powerful army which was to invade the coun- 
try from Canada ; General Howe and his 
brother, the admiral, were formulating a 
scheme which would give them Philadelphia, 
while Sir Henry Clinton spent the time plan- 
ning an ascent of the Hudson and a blow at 
the Highland forts. If these latter could be 
taken and the stronghold at West Point passed, 
Clinton could join his army to that of Bur- 
goyne and so split the struggling states in two, 
neither part of which could lend help to the 
other. 

When Howe began to show signs of life, 
Washington broke up his camp at Morris- 
town, and took up a position at Middlebrook, 
where he would be more in touch with the 
movements of that leader. Once Howe tried 
to engulf Sullivan at Princeton ; again he 
endeavored to tempt V/ashington to try a 
general engagement. But in neither of these 
did he succeed, and so he began to plan once 
more with the admiral for the taking of 
Philadelphia. 

During this period Ben Cooper saw quite a 


144 the young continentals 

little of Philadelphia life. The business of 
the army frequently took him there, and 
often he had permission to spend some little 
time. 

Distinguished foreigners, attracted by the 
struggle for independence, were pouring into 
the city ; public and social circles were be- 
sieged by them ; demands, highly preposter- 
ous for the most part, were made by hereto- 
fore unknown persons for commissions ; men 
who had not been of higher grade than cap- 
tain in the armies of Europe now treated 
with contempt any suggestion save that which 
carried with it the rank, at least, of general of 
brigade. 

During the early summer Ben was enjoying 
a fortnight’s leave of absence with his father 
at Germantown ; and one day he received a 
letter from Miss Betsy Claflin. He had met 
the Claflins frequently since the night at the 
inn at Burlington, and had become very inti- 
mate with them all. 

We are to give a very grand dinner at the 
City Tavern,” wrote Betsy, and we are to 
have such a number of distinguished people 
present that I shall be dreadfully frightened, 


MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE 145 

I know. And so I shall need all my friends 
to give me courage, and feel sure that I can 
count upon you for one.’^ 

There was a great deal more to the note, 
telling him the names of the notables who 
were to grace the feast, not the least among 
whom was Washington himself. The time 
set was but a few nights off, and Miss Betsy 
apologized for the lateness of the invitation 
because : I had not known but that you 

were with the army, otherwise this would 
have reached you much sooner.’^ 

The City Tavern was the fashionable place 
of the city at that day, and many splendid 
affairs were held between its walls ; and so, 
when the night arrived, Ben spent a great 
deal of time over his toilet, and made his 
way with much magnificence to the inn. It 
was brilliantly lighted ; there appeared to 
be candles everywhere ; beautifully gowned 
ladies and men in striking uniforms, or 
the courtly dress of the period, filled the 
rooms. 

Ben was warmly greeted hy Lieutenant 
Claflin, Betsy's brother, by that young lady 
herself and by their father. 


146 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

Hah, you young rascal,’’ quavered the 
old gentleman, as he clung to Ben’s hand. 
“I’ve just been talking to General Greene, 
and I begin to find out about you. Why 
have you not told me of your reputation as 
a fire-eater, sir ; why have I not heard be- 
fore of these exploits of yourself and your 
friends ? ” 

Ben laughed. 

“ Oh, General Greene likes his little joke, 
sir,” remonstrated he. “ He loves to make 
much of these little matters of experience.” 

“ Ah, you rogue, you can’t deceive me. 
You are a hero, sir, that’s what you are. 
And not only General Greene tells me so, but 
others as well.” 

Here Miss Betsy and some other young 
ladies took Ben in charge and stationing them- 
selves in an excellent place for observation, 
began to point out all the noted figures of the 
day, who were as yet unknown to the camp. 
A handsome, rather reckless-looking man of 
middle size and carrying himself with a swag- 
gering, dragoon-like air, attracted the atten- 
tion of the lad in a very few moments. 

“ And who is that ? ” he inquired. 


MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE 147 

** It’s Colonel Conway/’ replied one of the 
girls. “ He was born in Ireland, but has lived 
most of his life in France.” 

‘‘ A very gallant and capable officer, I have 
heard,” remarked another. 

‘‘ He may be all you say, but I don’t care 
for him,” spoke a third. There is some- 
thing about him which is repelling.” 

Some of the members of Congress do not 
find him so,” said Betsy Claflin, wisely. ** He 
has only been in the country a short time, 
but already there is quite a movement in his 
favor. I have heard it said that there are 
some who think of raising him at once to an 
important command.” 

The young lady who had first spoken now 
turned a cautious look about to note if any 
one were paying attention whom she did not 
take into her confidence. Her voice was very 
low and her manner profoundly secret as she 
said : 

Pray don’t breathe a word of this to a 
living soul, for I had it privately and in strict 
confidence. Congress was to make Colonel 
Conway a brigadier, but General Washington 
interfered, and said that he thought him an 


148 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

unsafe man and scarcely to be trusted with an 
important command/' 

There was an astonished buzz at this, and 
then an outbreak of low- voiced chatter. Dur- 
ing this Ben was observing Conway ; he, too, 
felt repelled by the man's swaggering, arro- 
gant manner, though he had not yet over- 
heard a word he said. Suddenly, as he 
watched he saw a tall man with powerful fea- 
tures approach the Irish-Frenchman ; they 
greeted each other eagerly, and as they did so 
Ben watched the tall man with eyes full of in- 
terested recognition. After a moment or two 
of watching he turned to Betsy. 

And who is that, so closely engaged with 
Colonel Conway ? " 

Betsy glanced at the person indicated. 

That is a gentleman from the South," she 
said. ^‘Savannah, I think, is his town ; and 
he has been attracted by the Congress and 
other things, perhaps, in the city most of the 
winter. He is a great friend of Samuel Liv- 
ingstone, the merchant. They have known 
each other a great while, or at least I think 
I've heard it so said. His name is Tobias 
Hawkins." 


MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE 149 

Ben regarded Tobias Hawkins for a moment 
more. 

Master Samuel Livingstone vouched for 
the gentleman, eh ? he said, musingly. 

Betsy looked at him in surprise. 

Why, yes,” she said. And why not, 
seeing that they are such old friends? ” 

Ah, why not, indeed ? ” said Ben. 

For a long time he sat with moody face ; 
this was unusual for him, for cheerfulness was 
his leading characteristic. The girls strove 
to arouse him, but he would emerge from his 
abstraction only for a moment at a time ; the 
next would see him with folded arms staring 
at the floor, or regarding Master Hawkins with 
fixed and speculative eye. 

Later in the evening he was chatting with 
Lieutenant Claflin, and some others, when he 
noted a tall, fine-looking officer go by ; and at 
his side was Tobias Hawkins, smiling and 
genial, and apparently relating some witticism 
— for the officer, as they passed, laughed 
gaily. 

Gates is a handsome fellow,” said a civilian 
youth to one of the young officers in the group. 
And a good-humored one, I think.” 


150 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

The young officer grimaced. 

“ 1 have served under him/’ he said. ** And 
I found him good-humored if one played the 
jester to him. With the sun shining, give me 
Gates ; but with an overcast sky, I would pre- 
fer some more stable person.” 

The young civilian looked astonished. 

Why,” said he, “ is it possible that General 
Gates is not thought highly of in the army ? 
I take from your tone that you meant that,” 
in hurried explanation. 

I did mean it,” smiled the youthful of- 
ficer. Gates has the military knowledge — 
no one can deny that — but,” and the speaker 
tapped his forehead with one finger, “ it is 
here that he is deficient. He has not the 
judgment, the depth, that ability to apply his 
knowledge which makes the general.” 

Lieutenant Claflin laughed, as did some 
others. 

Oh, come now, Hungerford,” said Claflin^ 
don’t be so severe upon the general. Re- 
member, he has been engaged in military serv- 
ice of one sort or another for only thirty years, 
while you have worn a sword for as long a 
time as six months.” 


MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE 1 51 

Again there was a laugh, and young Hun- 
gerford flushed. 

As for that,” said he, frankly enough, “ I 
am not passing personal judgment upon Gen- 
eral Gates. I am merely stating what I know 
are the opinions of men of experience. Why, 
General Washington himself holds him in no 
high esteem, for some time ago when Gates 
asked for a brigade, he refused to give it to 
him, there being others in whom he had more 
faith.” 

Ben^s eyes followed the handsome figure of 
Gates and that of Tobias Hawkins ; and once 
more the moody look came into his face. 

” What can it mean ? ” he asked himself. 
** What is this man’s purpose ? He has pushed 
himself into the good graces of a rather sim- 
ple-minded merchant, and so has gained entry 
into the society of the city. And what I 
noted on the first night at this very inn has 
since been verified. For some reason he then 
was eager to know the names of those opposed 
to General Washington, and since, then all 
those with whom I have seen him upon inti- 
mate terms are of that stripe. First, there 
was Miffiin, who is noted for his dislike of the 


152 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

general, then there is Conway, and now Gates/^ 
The boy looked down the long room at the 
two men and his thoughts went on : “ He has 
some reason. His desire must be to ” 

Here he was interrupted by a general move- 
ment toward the room where the dinner was 
to be served, and he found himself paired with 
a dark-haired, bright-eyed girl whose English 
pronunciation proved her to be of French 
birth. At the table this young lady proved 
to be a most diverting companion. She knew 
every one and the history of every one. 

“ I am at great pains to acquire informa- 
tion,^’ she smilingly told Ben. ‘‘ For, you see, 
I am keeping a journal in which I write down 
every scrap of intelligence. In years to come 
it will be a highly-prized book ; even scholars 
will go to it when they desire a true picture 
of these days.” 

Listening to her chatter pleased Ben Cooper, 
and soon all thought of Tobias Hawkins had 
passed out of his mind. Almost across the 
table from them were a number of foreigners 
who had come to America in search of mili- 
tary preferment. One of these was manifestly 
of German extraction, a grave-faced man of 


MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE 153 

middle age ; another was a handsome lad of 
about Ben’s own years. The latter was laugh- 
ing gaily with those near him and talking in 
English, but with a decided French accent. 

“ That,” said Ben, “ is a countryman of 
yours.” 

His companion shrugged her shoulders, 
helplessly. 

“ One sees so many countrymen of mine 
these days, that it might be thought Congress 
intended to officer the American army from 
France,” she said. And some of them — oh, 
what preposterous fellows they are I So much 
pretense, so much vainglory. It is really 
ridiculous.” 

Ben had his eyes upon the engaging coun- 
tenance of the French lad across the table. 

That one, at least,” said he, has none of 
those things.” 

The girl nodded her agreement of this. 

He is very well, indeed,” she said. “ I 
have met him, and my father has told me his 
family history.” 

Just then the young Frenchman burst out 
in his imperfect English : 

** But such a wonderful country — so beauti- 


154 the young continentals 

ful a land. It is well to fight that such a 
country should be free. I am lost in admira- 
tion of it.” 

“ But, sir,” laughingly protested one of the 
ladies, ** you have been here a very short 
time, and you can have seen but little of it.” 

Ah, madame, there you are mistaken,” 
cried the lad, delightedly. I have seen nine 
hundred miles of it, my friends and I. Nine 
hundred miles did we ride from Georgetown 
in South Carolina, where my ship reached 
port. Nine hundred miles through a glorious 
country ; and the sight of it day after day, 
madame, made me more determined than ever 
to join your army and help fight for it.” 

** You say you know his name and history,” 
said Ben Cooper to the girl at his side. Who 
and what is he ? ” 

“ He was born in Cavanac, Auvergne, 
France,” said the young lady with affected 
solemnity, and he is now just nineteen 

years of age. His name is ” she paused 

and affected great concern. “ Do you care to 
hear his full name?” she asked. 

‘‘Full and complete, so that I may know 
the worst at once,” smiled Ben. 


MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE 155 

** Very well, then. It is Marie Jean Paul 
Roch Yves Gilbert Metier, Marquis de Lafay- 
ette. He is enormously rich, has been a 
captain of dragoons, and has made very great 
sacrifices at home in France that he might 
come here and offer his sword to Congress.’^ 
Ben regarded the young Frenchman with 
increased attention. 

Why,^’ said the American boy, ** here is a 
generous and unselfish spirit, indeed. To leave 

a great fortune, honors, no doubt ” 

** All that the French king could confer 
upon one so young, put in the girl. ‘‘ But 
no, he would have none of it. He had heard 
of the struggle here, and asked Mr. Franklin 
at Paris for service. After the defeat of Long 
Island the Americans had no credit in Europe ; 
no one believed in them, it seems, and so 
Mr. Franklin could secure no ship to carry 
the French boy and his friends. 

^ We are sorr}^^ said Franklin, * but you 
will have to await our better fortune.^ 

“ But not so ! He could not wait. He 
bought a ship of his own and set sail ; and here 
he is, offering himself to Congress, to fight the 
British.'* 


156 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

After dinner the young Marquis and Ben 
Cooper were presented to each other, and 
when the French lad learned that Ben was 
upon active service with Washington he was 
delighted. 

You cannot understand,’^ said he, ** how 
we admire this general of yours in Europe. 
The great Frederic of Prussia says that his 
strategy stamps him as the world’s greatest 
soldier.” 

The two were still deeply engaged, Ben re- 
lating some camp anecdotes of the commander- 
in-chief, to Lafayette’s vast admiration, when 
there was a stir, a rustle, a hum of voices, a 
crowding to the front ; but neither of the young 
men paid any attention ; until, after a little, the 
voice of old Mr. Claflin said : 

What, Marquis, I thought you were wild 
to meet our general. And here he is and you 
have not even so much as a look for him.” 

Turning, his face alight, the next moment 
Lafayette was face to face with Washington 
for the first time, and listening to the calm, 
steady voice which he was afterward to hear 
so often in the press of battle. 

Soon there was quite a throng about the 



J AFAYETTE WAS FACE TO FACE 
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MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE 157 

two. The fame of the young nobleman, who 
so loved freedom that he would give up all 
that most men covet in order that he might 
cross a sea and strike a blow for a stranger race, 
was all about the city. For the most part the 
foreigners who offered themselves were pro- 
fessional soldiers who sought the power and 
emoluments of rank. But here was one 
wholly different ; he already had rank and 
fortune ; he desired only to serve. 

The admiration of Washington was plainly 
visible ; he applauded this youth for his un- 
selfishness ; he loved him from the first for his 
high heart and noble generosity. 

But on the outskirts of the throng there was 
a little group in which no sympathy for the 
meeting seemed to find a place. In this party 
Ben saw the cold face of General Mifflin, the 
vain, handsome countenance of General Gates, 
and the reckless, selfish one of Colonel Con- 
way. These three gazed at the little scene be- 
fore them with eyes totally unresponsive; 
they whispered, exchanged looks of unbelief 
and smiles which scarcely concealed the sneers 
behind them. These things alone aroused 
Ben Cooper’s resentment ; but there was a chill 


158 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

at his heart, a feeling of vague fear, as he saw 
the satisfaction upon the face of the man in 
the rear of the three. And that man was 
Master Tobias Hawkins. 


CHAPTER X 


SHOWS HOW THE FIGHT AT BRANDYWINE WAS 
LOST, AND HOW BEN BORE THE TIDINGS TO 
PHILADELPHIA 

Having made up his mind that nothing 
could be gained by seeking to draw Washing- 
ton into a trap, General Howe finally decided 
upon a plan and embarked his troops. What 
he would do was a matter for speculation in the 
American army; everyone wondered where 
the next blow would fall. Thinking that 
Philadelphia must be the point aimed at, 
Washington once more crossed the Delaware 
and took up a position at Germantown. 
While here the tidings came that the British 
troop ships had entered Chesapeake Bay, and 
that Howe’s army would disembark at the 
head of the Elk River. 

At this news the Tories in Philadelphia be- 
came overbold, and thinking to put them 
down by a display of power, Washington on 
the way southward marched his army through 
159 


i6o THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 


Front and along Chestnut Streets with bands 
playing and colors flying. Tliere were some 
twelve thousand of them, while the British, 
whom they were advancing to check, num- 
bered almost twenty thousand, with powerful 
artillery. 

The Americans marched to Wilmington, 
and there entered camp upon some heights 
near to the Christiana and the Brandywine. 
Heavy parties were sent forward to come in 
touch with the enemy and harass his advance 
as much as possible. Howe landed his force 
at a point seventy miles from Philadelphia, 
and almost at once took up his line of march. 
The militia and other parties sent out by 
Washington rendered this progress much 
slower than it would otherwise have been, 
and in this way the American commander 
was given an opportunity to reconnoiter the 
roads and passes and fords. 

“ It looks, said George Prentiss to Ben, as 
though the general had made up his mind to 
risk a battle in the open.’’ 

He must, if he is to flght at all, I think,” 
said Ben. And that he must fight is set- 
tled. Philadelphia, the city where Congress 


AT BRANDYWINE i6i 

meets, must not be allowed to fall without a 
blow/’ 

“ Right,” spoke Nat Brewster. ” That 
would never do, as I look at it. Everything 
must be risked at this point ; to desert the 
city, now that the enemy are approaching it, 
would be to lose its confidence forever.” 

Talk of this sort ran through the American 
force, showing that the rank and file under- 
stood the position in which their officers 
stood. And the position was a most critical 
one. The great bulk of the army was made 
up of raw men, the militia of New Jersey, 
Pennsylvania and Delaware ; and in no way 
was the American force to be compared to the 
British — neither in number, equipment nor 
discipline. 

At White Clay Creek, General Maxwell’s 
sharpshooters encountered the British van- 
guard, and a spirited fight took place, the 
sharpshooters falling back, but the invaders 
meeting with much the greater loss. At first 
Washington selected a position on the east of 
Red Clay Creek, on the Philadelphia road ; 
but he discovered the intention of Sir William 
Howe to pass the Brandywine, gain the heights 


i 62 the young continentals 


to the north of the stream and so cut him off 
from Philadelphia ; the American army was 
put in motion during the night and took pos- 
session of this point. 

There were several crossings of the Brandy- 
wine and the best of them was in direct line 
with the enemy’s advance. This was called 
Chadd’s Ford, and here Washington stationed 
the main body of his army under Wayne, 
Weedon and Muhlenberg. Maxwell’s riflemen 
were also placed at this point, and Wayne’s 
and Proctor’s artillery were placed upon a hill 
commanding the ford. The right wing was 
in the care of General Sullivan, Sterling and 
Stephen, while the left, mainly militia, was 
commanded by General Armstrong. 

What seemed to be the main body of the 
enemy began an advance on Chadd’s Ford 
early on the morning of September 11th. 
Washington rode along the ranks cheering his 
men and being cheered in return. The reports 
of the rifles of Maxwell’s men soon began to 
be heard across the Brandywine ; after a long 
time spent in skirmishing, tlie sharpshooters 
themselves were driven across the stream. 
The enemy did not attempt to follow, but 


AT BRANDYWINE 163 

their artillery opened, and the American guns 
answered promptly. 

While this was going on a rider from Gen- 
eral Sullivan’s command dashed up to head- 
quarters bearing the news that a heavy body 
of troops under Howe was pushing along the 
Lancaster road with the intent to cross at one 
of the upper fords and turn the American 
right flank. Instantly a party of riders were 
sent to ascertain the truth of this ; then the 
Americans determined to cross the creek and 
attack those before them, word being sent to 
both wings to do likewise. But just as the 
movement was begun, word came by a militia 
major that there was no enemy in the quarter 
Howe was reported to be in, and instantly 
Washington halted the troops once more. 
Horsemen were scurrying backward and for- 
ward — all was in suspense. Finally a resident 
of the section, Squire Cheyney, came gallop- 
ing up, breathless, and with horse covered 
with foam ; he had come upon the main body 
of the British as they were hurrying along on 
the east side of the stream ; they had fired 
upon him, but he had succeeded in reaching 
the American lines unhurt. 


164 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

You must move, General Washington,’’ he 
cried, “ or you will be surrounded.” 

The horsemen, sent out earlier, now re- 
turned, confirming this. The British main 
body, under Cornwallis, was sweeping down 
upon the right wing. Without hesitation, 
Washington’s orders were given. Sullivan 
was to attack the invaders. Sterling’s and 
Stephen’s brigades were to support him. 
Wayne was to hold Chadd’s Ford and see to 
it that the German Knyphausen did not 
cross, while General Greene was to hold his 
command ready to dash in wherever needed. 

Sullivan followed his orders, but the time 
which had elapsed between the warning and 
the orders reaching him enabled Cornwallis 
to select his own ground. Taken at a com- 
plete disadvantage, the Americans broke on 
each wing; the center stood firm, but receiv- 
ing the concentrated fire of the enemy, it, too, 
gave way. The young Lafayette, who had 
begged permission to go where the fight would 
be thickest, seeing that the pursuing British 
became entangled in the wood, leaped from 
his horse and made a gallant attempt to rally 
the broken division of Sullivan. 


AT BRANDYWINE 165 

He proves true under the guns of the 
enemy/’ spoke Nat Brewster, admiringly. 

Ben Cooper paused and wiped away the 
perspiration which streamed from his face. 

“ I knew he would, the first time I ” 

Suddenly he stopped and uttered a cry ; then 
both he and Nat drove spurs to their horses 
and raced forward. 

As Lafayette strove with the disorganized 
rabble of fleeing militia, a mass of British sud- 
denly appeared, emerging from the wood ; 
their pieces sent a volley into the fugitives, 
and at the discharge Lafayette fell. Side by 
side Ben Cooper and the stalwart Nat Brewster 
swept forward ; as they neared the young 
Frenchman they opened a trifle, then bending 
simultaneously, their horses slowing, they 
lifted him from the ground, swung him across 
Nat’s horse — turned in the very teeth of the 
oncoming British, and sped away. 

Washington came up with fresh troops, and 
the Americans made a stand upon a hill near 
Dil worth ; but again they were driven back 
with much loss. 

Knyphausen, hearing the heavy firing, 
which was his signal to move in earnest, made 


i66 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 


a rush to cross Chadd’s Ford. Wayne’s and 
Proctor’s artillery began to sound and Max- 
well’s riflemen picked off the advance. Gen- 
eral Greene was also preparing to oppose the 
oncoming German, when Ezra Prentiss rode 
up with orders from the commander-in-chief 
that he come to the aid of the right wing, 
which was in desperate peril. 

Without the waste of a moment the division 
of Greene was put into motion and never was 
there more rapid marching. It is said that 
the brigade covered the distance of five miles 
in less than fifty minutes. But, for all his 
gallant efibrt, he was too late to prevent de- 
feat. However, he was well in time to cover 
the retreat ; with his field pieces well planted 
he kept up a steady fire ; again and again his 
ranks opened to allow the blocks of fugitives 
to pass to the rear. It was a spot selected by 
Washington the day before as an excellent one 
for a stand should the army be driven from its 
first position, and right well did it prove his 
judgment. 

Cornwallis, flushed with success, came on 
with the exultation of a victor; he had seen 
the Americans running away, and thought in 


AT BRANDYWINE 167 

the pursuit to deal them a fatal blow. But 
Greene with his guns, and Muhlenberg’s and 
Weedon’s brigades met them fairly and drove 
them back repeatedly. Finally the British 
became so exhausted that Greene saw his op- 
portunity and drew off his men in an orderly 
manner ; and so threatening were his guns, so 
desperate the aspect of his grim ranks that the 
enemy did not make any effort at pursuit. 
Wayne also had kept his opponents back at 
the ford ; and he, too, now drew off his force 
in such perfect order that Knyphausen did 
not dare to follow. 

With the Chester road so well covered as to 
prevent any calamity, Washington, after a 
consultation with his generals, wrote a dis- 
patch giving a full account of the day’s for- 
tunes and misfortunes, knowing well that a 
horde of panic-stricken runaways would soon 
burst into Philadelphia and spread the news 
of utter rout. 

Ride with all speed and deliver this to 
Mr. Hancock,” said the general, upon handing 
the dispatch to Ben Cooper. “ And do what 
you can to stem the tide of false reports that 
will be going about.” Then as Ben saluted 


i68 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 


and gathered up his reins, the commander-in- 
chief added anxiously, to General Greene, 

I trust no disorder arises in the city ; there 
are, as you know, many who would willingly 
take advantage of so rich an opportunity/^ 

As Ben sped along the Chester road, his 
horse pushed its way, in places, through dense 
masses of retreating soldiers ; the broken 
fragments of the army, also field pieces and 
baggage wagons were flowing along in one 
disorganized stream, all making for Phil- 
adelphia. At Chester, some dozen miles 
north of the scene of battle, was a good sized 
stream which the fugitives would have to 
cross to reach the cit3^ Here young Lafayette 
placed a strong guard at the bridge and refused 
to permit any one to cross unless properly 
armed with an order from some one in au- 
thority. 

With his leg swathed in bandages showing 
where the bullet had struck him, the youthful 
Frenchman sat his horse with much difficulty. 
However, sit him he did, and gave his orders 
like one born to the work, never betraying a 
sign of pain. He recognized Ben at once as 
he came up and replied to his salute, and in- 


AT BRANDYWINE 169 

quired anxiously as to the complexion of 
things at Dilworth. 

“ General Greene held them until the 
danger was past/^ replied Ben, cheerfully. 
“ And it looks now as though the situation 
were well in hand.’^ 

Ah, yes,” Lafayette said. With us there 
was fortune at any rate. We lost the battle, 
but,” and he gestured eloquently, “ we are 
saved from utter ruin ; and another day we 
can fight again.” 

Ben pushed on at top speed ; all along the 
road he found wagons loaded with household 
goods and such like, with excited men, white- 
faced women and crying children trudging at 
their sides. The news of the defeat had 
reached them, also the report that Wash- 
ington’s army had been cut to pieces and was 
flying in complete rout before the British. 
The lad did his best to steady the men by 
crying out to them that Washington was 
holding Howe in check. 

As he passed into the city he found much 
the same state of things ; all day the citizens 
had gathered in the streets and public squares, 
listening to the roar of the cannon which 


lyo THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

came plainly to their ears ; and now the 
fleeing families grew more numerous ; terror 
seemed to be in every face. The throngs 
recognized Ben in a moment as being one 
from the battle-field ; they closed around him 
demanding tidings. 

What news ? called one. 

“ How goes the fight? '' demanded another. 

“ What'S left of the army?’^ questioned a 
third. 

“ How soon will the British be here ? cried 
another. 

Ben waved a hand to them — the hand 
which held his dispatches. 

Make way/^ he cried out, repeatedly. 
** Make way for the messenger to Congress.” 

‘‘ The battle I the battle I ” chorused the 
populace. What news from the army ? ” 

“ The army was driven back ” A groan 

interrupted the boy. He continued : “ But 

the British were repulsed at last. The army 
is safe I ” 

The more hardy spirits found comfort in 
this last ; but the greater part lost none of 
their fear ; the steady stream of fleeing 
families still passed along the streets ; men 


AT BRANDYWINE 


171 


rushed hither and thither, preparing to depart, 
women sobbed and gathered their children 
about them. 

“ To the mountains, was the cry. ** To 
the mountains I 

Ben leaped from his horse at the State-House 
door ; but upon inquiry he learned that 
Congress was not sitting as he had expected 
it to be in such a crisis. It had held a session 
that evening and decided to quit the city ; the 
next meeting of the body was to be held at 
Lancaster. 

“ But,^^ said the custodian, “ a number of 
the members are now at Clark’s Inn, just 
across the way ; and I feel sure that you’ll find 
Mr. Hancock there, also.” 

Clark’s Inn was a quaint and ancient place, 
almost as old as the city itself ; the doors stood 
wide and the light streamed out upon the 
stone-paved walk. Within, all was hubbub ; 
the day’s misfortunes were, of course, the chief 
topic, but the decision of Congress to quit the 
city was almost as much discussed. 

“What do I call it, sir?” were the first 
words that come to Ben’s ears as he entered 
the inn. “ What do I call it, do you say ? 


172 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

Why, I call it cowardice, sir, rank cow- 
ardice/’ 

The speaker was the stout Master Samuel 
Livingstone, whom Ben had met with several 
times before. His face was mottled with 
excitement, and one fat hand beat the table 
before him. 

‘‘ Not cowardice, perhaps,” said the person 
to whom he addressed himself. Not coward- 
ice, exactly, but rather unseemly haste.” 

It is cowardice, sir I ” maintained Master 
Livingstone. It is just that, and nothing 
less I Was it not Congress who brought us 
all to the point of resistance to the king? 
Was it not, I ask of you? And now that we 
have resisted to the extent of all we have, 
what does Congress do ? ” He paused, and his 
great face glowered at the man to whom he 
was speaking. It deserts us I No sooner 
does it hear of the enemy’s approach to the 
city than it deserts us. The moment that the 
slightest chance of danger to itself appears, it 
flies.” 

Here the other man held up a warning 
finger ; bending across the table he said some- 
thing in a low tone. Master Livingstone 


AT BRANDYWINE 


173 

grew a little paler in color ; his manner took 
on a trace of anxiety. 

‘‘ Hall I ” said he, as his eyes went about the 
room, alarmed. Yes, yes, you are right. 
Perhaps I had best not go too far. I did not 
know,” in a still lower tone, that our friends 
voted for the removal to Lancaster.” 

In a quiet corner, Ben found John Hancock 
and some friends soberly talking over the mo- 
mentous happenings of the day. The elegant 
Hancock received the boy with the rather 
distant formality for which he was known ; 
and the dispatches were read at once. 

Somewhat too late,” said he, coldly, after 
reading the hasty lines to his friends. This 
matter of there being no immediate danger 
will have to be acted upon at Lancaster.” 

There was a slight laugh at this, for the re- 
mark was evidently intended as a witticism. 

At a little distance inland,” spoke one of 
the party, also a member of the Congress, we 
can be assured of safety. For even our present 
commanders will scarcely allow the enemy to 
penetrate that far.” 

“ Washington,” said Mr. Hancock, has 
not failed altogether. He has given us vio- 


174 the young continentals 

lories. Remember, sir, with the means at his 
hand he cannot win all the time. It is too 
much to require of any general.’^ 

“ But action is not too much to require of a 
general ; it is not too mmch to ask the com- 
mander of an army that he have some enter- 
prise ; that he take the initiative occasionally, 
that he do not always wait until the enemy 
advances upon him before he makes a show of 
fighting.^^ 

“ Right I Right I came a number of voices. 

Quite right I ” 

But another member, and apparently a 
supporter of Washington, here spoke out. 

“ I think, said he, ‘‘ you have not properly 
considered what Mr. Hancock meant when he 
mentioned ^ the means at his hand.^ ” The 
speaker tapped the table edge with the tip of 
one finger and proceeded : When one con- 

siders the slender supply of soldiers which 
present themselves for service, one might 
wonder very properly where an army suffi- 
ciently powerful to cope with England is com- 
ing from. And even the small force which 
our general gathers only remains with him a 
short time. The term of enlistment is so 


AT BRANDYWINE 


175 


short that scarcely has a regiment reached a 
fair state of discipline than it disbands — and 
in this constant recruiting and training, the 
personnel of the army never reaches any but 
a most indifferent state. And, then, the 
money with which the force is to be main- 
tained I here the member looked about him 
and smiled. What must keep Washington 
going for weeks would not cover the require- 
ments of Howe for days. The supplies are 
seldom of sufficient quantity to fill the needs 
of our soldiers ; the men go barefoot in the 
ranks ; the able men lack the arms to fight 
with, and the sick men have not the medicine 
to make them well.^^ 

At this there arose a chorus of approval and 
protest ; the gathered members and their 
friends entered into the case with spirit and 
heat, and in the clamor that followed Ben 
heard little more. Having had nothing to 
eat since early morning, the lad, for the first 
time, began to feel a trifle faint; until this 
the excitement had sustained him, but the 
need of food was now strongly brought to his 
mind. So seating himself in a quiet nook 
near to a window at the front of the house 


176 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

he ordered a dish of eggs with bacon and well 
browned bread and other comforting things. 
The window was raised a few inches. 

When these were placed before him, he fell 
to with relish and will, paying little attention 
to the high talk going on all about him. 

Outside the inn door were several benches 
where patrons of the place were accustomed 
to sit in pleasant weather, and as Ben gazed 
idly out through the window at his elbow he 
found himself looking at the back of one of 
these, which was so placed ; and over the top 
of it he saw the crown of a hat. 

“ Some sensible person who quietly takes 
the air in spite of the cold weather,” said Ben. 
‘‘ All this clatter and complaining is not 
worth listening to, he thinks, and so he will 
have none of it.” 

He had about reached this conclusion, when 
he saw a tall figure turn in from the street 
toward the inn door. At a glance the lad 
recognized Tobias Hawkins ; the next moment 
the man upon the bench had arisen to greet 
the newcomer, and he, in turn, Ben knew, even 
in the indifferent light and though his back 
was turned, as the man with the yellow smile. 


CHAPTER XI 


TELLS HOW BEN COOPER LISTENED TO SOME 
ASTONISHING REVELATIONS 

From the manner of the men, it was evident 
that the coming of Tobias Hawkins was no 
surprise to his friend. Indeed, the latter had 
been, it was evident, patiently awaiting him ; 
and now the eagerness in his manner showed 
plainly that he attached some importance to 
the arrival. 

“ I had about given up all hope of you,^^ 
said the man with the yellow smile, his first 
words showing the truth of the lad’s discern- 
ment. 

“ I said I would reach here as soon after 
nine o’clock as I could. To be sure, it is 
somewhat after that ; but I could not finish my 
business earlier.*^ 

The hour at which it is finished,” said the 
other, does not greatly matter. The question 
is, how did you succeed ? ” 

Tobias Hawkins laughed and in the sound 
177 


178 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

of that laugh Ben caught something like 
triumph. 

Success/' said the man, is so easily won, 
that there is no credit in it. But let us go 
inside where we can talk quietly." 

“ It would be much better if we remained 
where we are," said the other, looking about. 
“The inn is filled with madmen, I think. 
They can do nothing but rave over the defeat 
of Washington and the flight of Congress." 

Hawkins, after a cautious glance about, 
seated himself upon the bench. A small cedar 
in a tub concealed the window at which Ben 
sat ; the boy could see only the crowns of the 
two hats over the high back of the bench, but 
the delighted sound that came from Hawkins 
told him that the man was chuckling. 

“Washington’s defeat," repeated Hawkins; 
“ ah, what a relief that was I It altered 
things all about me. Trenton and Princeton 
and the affairs in the Jerseys had set me a 
task that I sometimes despaired of, Sugden ; 
but this one defeat brought all the complain- 
ings to the top again. The victories were 
forgotten ; the commander had lost a battle, 
therefore the commander was incompetent." 


HOW BEN LISTENED 


179 

A rare good general, this Washington, I 
think,’’ said Sugden. A careful fighter and 
one that will last long — if they allow him ? ” 
There was a laugh with this last, a mocking 
sort of laugh which indicated the speaker’s 
disbelief in the possibility. 

“ With the goodness or the badness of Mr. 
Washington as an officer, we personally have 
nothing to do,” said Hawkins. “ We are paid 
to excite disbelief in him ; our duty is to have 
him supplanted by a weaker man, so let us be 
about that, and bother with nothing else.” 

Ben felt his heart throb heavily at this, and 
the blood beat about his temples and roared 
in his ears. Here at last was the thing which 
he had thought for so long, put plainly into 
words. There was a movement on foot to 
displace Washington as head of the army ; 
fearing that its forces would not be equal to 
the task of subduing the aroused colonies, the 
British government had setabout undermining 
the one man whose genius they feared in the 
field. 

“ A conspiracy,” breathed Ben. A con- 
spiracy conducted by this man Hawkins I ” 
Now better than ever did the lad under- 


i8o THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

stand the actions of Tobias Hawkins. As he 
thought over all the man’s doings and sayings 
he fancied that they all centered in the one 
purpose. 

“ On New Year’s Eve, when I first saw him, 
he was but newly come to Philadelphia to be- 
gin his plotting ; and that faultfinding old 
fellow, Livingstone, was just the sort of man 
he needed to enable him to make a fair start ; 
Hawkins knew that he was well connected, 
and much too stupid to ever suspect that he 
was being used.” 

The conspirators’ eagerness that same night 
to learn from Mr. Morris the names of thosd 
persons who were not upon good terms offi- 
cially with Washington once more returned 
to the boy. 

He has found out the greater part of them 
by now, I suppose,” thought Ben. There is 
the adventurer Conway, the vain General 
Gates, and the rather calculating Miffiin ; he 
keeps the company of all three, and each of 
them is an enemy of Washington.” 

The man’s threat that night returned to 
Ben. 

He feared that I had discovered his.iden- 


HOW BEN LISTENED i8i 

tity/^ he mused. And he thought to stop 
my revealing what I knew. This man whom 
he calls Sugden as much as said so when I 
encountered him at Bristol. And the attempt 
to rob the carriage of the money sacks sent by 
Master Morris, for I now feel sure that Hawkins 
was the other party to that, was but another 
way of seeking the embarrassment of General 
Washington.” 

Hawkins was still chuckling over what were 
apparently pleasing thoughts. For a time the 
man with the yellow smile said nothing, but 
as the other seemed in no hurry to impart 
what he knew, he grew impatient. 

Come,” he said, let us know what you 
have to tell.” 

There was a pause, the chuckling ceased, 
and then Hawkins spoke. 

“ There was a time only last fall when I 
considered this work upon which we are now 
engaged as impossible. It was Admiral Howe 
who first mentioned it to me, I think, and I 
openly scouted it. Then Sir Henry Clinton 
broached it, and at last General Howe. Each 
of them fancied it, and each of them told me 
plainly that it w^as quite in my way.” 


i 82 the young continentals 

Sugdeii grunted. 

‘‘ They were right there ; everything in the 
line of underground effort is in your way. I 
never saw any one who took more naturally 
to subterfuge, wriggling through keyholes, 
and the gaining of men’s confidence for his 
own ends.” 

Tobias Hawkins laughed. This, so it 
seemed, he regarded as flattery. 

You are disposed to think rather well of 
any little talent that I may possess, my friend,” 
he said. “ But I paid no attention to either 
of tiie military or naval heroes,” he proceeded ; 

their sort are seldom very keen in matters 
that do not have to do with the movements of 
fleets or divisions. However, when Lord 
George Germain wrote to me, begging me to 
undertake the task — and mentioning a hand- 
some sum which the government would be 
disposed to pay me should I succeed — I be- 
gan to seriously turn the matter over in my 
mind.” 

'' Ah, yes, the money,” said Sugden. Ger- 
main knew how to interest you.” 

Again Tobias Hawkins laughed, in no way 
put out by the other man’s candor. 


HOW BEN LISTENED 183 

** I can always be appealed to by way of my 
purse/^ he confessed. ‘‘ I find that it’s much 
the better way when all’s said and done. To 
risk all for the honor of one’s fiag is well 
enough, perhaps, for some ; but to mix a few 
gold pieces with the honor makes it ring bet- 
ter to others.” 

“ Different minds have different fancies,” 
admitted the man with the yellow smile. 
“ But tell me, what ever made them hit upon 
the removal of Washington from command as 
the best means of weakening the movement 
for independence ? ” 

‘‘ They knew the man, and they knew that 
such as he must sooner or later clash with the 
petty people who were about him. Some of 
the newer members of Congress are small men ; 
Washington is a giant ; and mean natures 
always come to hate one superior to them. 
Could I gain the confidence of the small men 
in Congress, thought Lord George Germain, I 
would have taken a long step toward success.” 

'' Excellent I ” said Sugden, approvingly. 

Most excellent I ” 

“ Then,” went on Tobias Hawkins, ** upon 
my own part I knew that there would be a 


i 84 the young continentals 

certain amount of dissatisfaction in the army. 
Every captain would want to be a colonel, 
and every colonel a general of brigade. These 
dissatisfied ones I decided to select as my 
friends.'^ 

The nature of the man’s plan appalled the 
young American ; and yet he could not help 
but admire its cold-blooded perfection. 

And there are enough of that sort in the 
army for all intents,” said Sugden. “ It did 
not take me long to learn that all who put on 
a uniform did not do so through love of coun- 
try. Gates, they say,” and Sugden sniggered, 
“ is the very man to bring victory to the 
American arms.” 

“ There is a thing,” said Hawkins, which 
fits most excellently into my plan. Gates is a 
weak man, all but mad with vanity, and jeal- 
ous in every fiber of his being of Washington. 
With much hard work I have centered upon 
him the favor of all in Congress who are op- 
posed to the present commander.” 

“ But they are not aAvare, I’ll wager, that it 
was your hand that bent them so,” said the 
other. 

‘‘ They do not dream of it ; each thinks the 


HOW BEN LISTENED 


185 

idea began with himself, and I,’' with a laugh, 
am careful enough to allow them to go on 
thinking so/^ 

“ Now as to this foreign adventurer, Con- 
way,’^ said Sugden ; ‘‘ he seems to have ad- 
vanced in favor very rapidl3^^' 

“ The opposition to Washington took him 
up because he dislikes Washington ; they are 
struck with admiration of his military talents. 
I control him by the only means which could 
control him. He fancies, through my hints, 
that Gates is but a figurehead, and when the 
time comes to choose Washington's successor, 
that he, himself, will be the man.^' 

‘‘ Better and better,’^ commented the other, 
his tongue clicking in admiration. “ You 
have lost none of your cunning, I see.^’ 

You have heard of the change that has 
been made in the commissariat of the army, I 
suppose ? 

Why, yes, something, I think.’' 

It has been taken from the hands of those 
friendly to Washington. Delays will ensue, 
and that will insure a poorly fed, badly 
clothed and scantily cared-for following. With 
such a rabble, he can do nothing. The result 


i86 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 


will be the growth of the cry ‘ Give us Gates ; 
he can save the country I ’ 

“ Clever/’ admired the other ; very clever, 
upon my word 1 ” 

It is lucky for us that Gates has succeeded 
Schuyler in the north,” said Hawkins. 
“ Schuyler has borne the brunt of the fighting 
up there, and when he had so placed the 
pieces as to assure success, he was removed 
from command, and the favorite sent in his 
place to reap the fruits of his labor.” 

” It is well planned,” said Sugden. I can- 
not see what is to prevent the entire movement 
for liberty, as they call it, from falling like a 
house of cards.” 

Ben Cooper had listened to this conversation 
with blood that was slowly heating to a point 
where an outbreak of some sort must come. 
He did not stop to reason as to what was best 
to do, as Nat Brewster or some others of his 
friends would have done ; but when the im- 
pulse came, he threw up the sash, placed 
his hands upon the window sill and vaulted 
through. Stalking round the end of the 
bench he suddenly confronted the two con- 
spirators. 


HOW BEN LISTENED 187 

Perhaps, Master Tobias Hawkins, said 
he, ** the fall of the cause against which you 
have worked so very expertly will not come 
as easily as you think. General Washington 
is not without friends ; and look to yourself 
that it is not you, instead of he, that will come 
to grief.’’ 

For a moment the two men were too as- 
tounded to speak. The position of the bench 
upon which they sat, so they had apparently 
thought, and the low tones which they had 
used, made it impossible that they be overheard. 
The window behind them had escaped their 
attention entirely. But Hawkins recovered 
himself readily enough and regarded the 
indignant lad, a sneer upon his face. 

Ah, we meet again,” said he, in a low, 
savage tone. ** It would seem that in the 
end we must become more or less inti- 
mate.” 

” Perhaps much more than you will care 
for,” said Ben Cooper. “ Your intentions and 
your accomplishments will make you none 
too popular with Congress, the army or the 
public.” 

And so,” said Tobias Hawkins, slowly, 


i88 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 


** you would make known what you have 
heard. 

“ At the first opportunity/^ said Ben, hotly. 

“ Perhaps/^ said Hawkins, and a disagree- 
able smile crept across his face, “ it would be 
best for you to raise a hue and cry now. 
There are many persons of importance in the 
inn ; call them, charge me with what you 
like I His head bent toward the boy and 
one finger waved at him mockingly. ** But 
who, think you, would believe what you have 
said ? 

Ben stared at the man, the truth of what he 
said coming like a shock. 

I am a gentleman of consequence in the 
community,^^ smiled Tobias Hawkins, disa- 
greeably, and you are a wild youngster whose 
word is not to be too largely credited. I have 
friends in the Congress, in the army, in civil 
life. Everything that I have done,^^ and the 
smile grew still more disagreeable, “ has been 
done openly and for the good of the country.” 
But your reasons,” flared the boy, “ your 

reasons have been to ” 

Can you prove that ? ” questioned Haw- 
kins. 


HOW BEN LISTENED 


189 

** You yourself have said returned Ben. 

The man laughed, and his companion joined 
him. 

“ I deny that I said it,^^ spoke Hawkins. 
** And now what do you say ? 

Nonplused, Ben stood for a moment, not 
knowing what answer to make. Hawkins 
was right. Ben could prove no wrong inten- 
tion behind anything the man had done. To 
have plotted against Washington was no crime. 
Many men in public life were doing the same 
thing openly, every day. Now that it was too 
late, Ben saw that he had been too impulsive 
in making known his presence ; but though 
defeated, he made up his mind to have a final 
fling at any rate. 

You are right,^^ said he, evenly enough, 
now that he realized the weakness of his 
position. ‘^Just now I can do nothing — in 
that way.^* 

** Ah, you see that, do you? laughed the 
man. 

** I do,^^ replied Ben. ** But there is one 
thing which you, seemingly, do not see.^^ 

** And what is that?^^ asked Tobias Haw- 
kins. 


igo THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

“The nature of the punishment awaiting 
known enemies found within the lines/’ said 
the boy, composedly. 

There was a moment’s silence; then Haw- 
kins, with a shifting in his bold eyes which 
was not there a little before, said : 

“ I don't quite understand." 

“ It is difficult," said Ben, “ to recall a face 
seen in the press of battle, more especially 
when that battle took place so long ago, as did, 
we will say. Bunker Hill. But, sometimes, it 
can be done ; and frequently more than one 
person can recall the face. So, in your pro- 
ceedings, Master Hawkins, do not be overbold, 
I warn you. When one knows a thing, as I 
know it, there are many ways of bringing 
about a desired end." 

And with that the boy turned about and 
entered the inn, leaving the two men staring 
after him. 


CHAPTER XII 


HOW STORM-STAYED GUESTS CAME TO THE INN 
AT RISING SUN 

After leaving the two conspirators on the 
bench before Clark’s Inn, Ben Cooper entered 
the building, sought the landlord and paid his 
score. 

Then you do not mean to stop here to- 
night,” said the host, who knew him. 

** No,” answered Ben. It will, perhaps, 
be the last time I shall have to pass with 
my father in many days, and I think I shall 
ride out to Germantown and spend the night 
there.” 

His horse, which had been placed in the inn 
stable, was brought out ; Ben mounted and 
struck out north, meaning finally to turn into 
the Germantown road. He entered this some 
distance beyond the city limits ; the night 
was moonlit, but there was a haze hanging 
over everything which waved from tree and 
bush, in the light breeze, like long, gauzy 
191 


192 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

streamers of white. He had gone quite some 
distance on his way when at length he made 
out a peculiar sound, a steady rising and fall- 
ing, of which he for a long time could make 
nothing. Finally, however, he understood, 
and laughed. 

It’s some one singing,” he said. 

The sound was behind him, and coming 
through the waving banners of mist, edge-lit 
in the moonlight, it produced a weird effect. 
He drew in his horse, after a time, in order to 
hear the better ; away in his mind was the 
impression that he had heard the music some- 
where before. 

Nearer and nearer drew the singer, the fall 
of hoofs now mingled with the song ; listen- 
ing, Ben at last recalled the mournful melody. 

It is one of the songs sung by Paddy Burk 
on the night I met him by the Bristol road.” 

Then amid the clatter of oncoming hoofs 
the words of the song became plain. 

Oh, ye Irish lads of fair renown, 

Come listen onto me ; 

And ril relate a bitter fate 
That happened on the sea ; 

It was in the dark December 
Upon the Baltic coast 


AT RISING SUN 


193 


Here the singer’s horse stumbled, and the 
song came to an abrupt termination. Then a 
voice was lifted in protest. 

** Arrah, what kind of a beast are you, at 
all, at all I Faith, you go stumbling along 
like a porpoise in wooden shoes. Lift up 
your feet, you good-for-nothing villain, or it’s 
the whip I’ll be taking to you, though I’ve 
never done it before.” 

Amazed, Ben called out : 

‘‘ What, Paddy Burk I ” 

The horse and rider came to an abrupt stand. 

Who is that taking me name into his 
mouth ? ” demanded the rider, his hand upon 
his pistol. I see you there, but I can’t make 
you out.” 

It’s Ben Cooper,” answered the lad. 

Instantly the other touched his mount, and 
it trotted forward. 

Arrah, now, here’s a meeting, indeed,” 
cried Paddy, with a rollicking laugh. I 
knew you were somewhere ahead of me, but 
sorra the sight did I hope to have of you to- 
night.” 

“ But how did you come here? ” asked Ben, 
puzzled. ** You are about the last person in 


194 the young continentals 

the world I expected to see on the German- 
town road to-night.’^ 

“ Why, then,'’ spoke Paddy, humorously, 
it’s meself that did not expect to be here, 
either. But you see,” as their nags cantered 
ahead side by side, “ I were sent on to Philadel- 
phia, too, with dispatches ; I asked for you at 
the inn across from the State House and was 
told that you had started for your home. 

' Well,’ says I to myself, ‘you’ve only 
been there once, Paddy, my lad, but sure, I 
think you can find the way even at night, for 
never was there a place where you were made 
more welcome.’ ” 

“ It’s a lonely way, and I’m glad indeed to 
have your company,” said Ben, for he and the 
Irish boy had become the best of friends dur- 
ing the months of their acquaintance. There 
was no more merry soul in all the American 
force than Paddy ; also, he was a daring rider 
and tireless. In the many fights in the Jerseys 
he had shown himself fearless and resourceful. 
During the day at Brandywine he had been 
with Sterling’s brigade, in the thick of the 
early onset, as Ben learned as they rode along. 

“ It was a great day, entirely,” declared 


AT RISING SUN 


*95 

Paddy, and sorry was I that we couldn^t win 
it. But,’' hopefully, “ there are other days 
coming, and our day is among them, some- 
where, I’m sure.” 

After a little they fell into silence, and the 
Irish boy began to take note of the road. 

<< Why,” said he, it is a lonely place, sure 
enough. A while ago, as I were coming along, 
I felt a bit down in the mouth, and that is 
why I took to the singing.” 

‘‘ If it hadn’t been for that, I’d not have 
recognized you,” said Ben. 

Sure, then, that is lucky enough. But,” 
and Paddy looked back over his shoulder, “ it’s 
not all good fortune me singing brought me 
to-night. Faith, a while ago it nearly got me 
a knock on the head.” 

How was that? ” asked Ben. 

As I just said, I felt a bit down in the 
mouth, and so started a few bars of ‘ Tatter 
Jack Walsh ’ by way of a lilt. Never a bit of 
attention I was paying to anything, but looked 
straight between my horse’s ears as they stuck 
up before me, when lo I and behold you, I hears 
a voice almost at my ear, and suddenly sees a 
horseman riding on each side of me.” 


196 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

What then?^^ said Ben, with interest. 

My hand makes a move for the pistol in 
my holster, but before 1 could reach it one of 
the men says : 

“ ‘ Keep hands off that. No harm^s meant 
you.^ Then turning to the other he says : 
‘ I told you that a screech-owl like this would 
not be he.’ 

Then says the other : 

“ ‘ No harm’s done in making sure. This 
is the road he’d take, and he’s somewhere 
ahead.’ 

“ ‘ Hush ! ’ says the other, and he made as 
though to clap his hand over the mouth of the 
one that spoke. ‘ Hush. Not another word ! ’ ” 

Ah,” said Ben Cooper, and his eyes also 
went back over his shoulder. And what did 
you do then ? ” 

I put spurs to my horse,” replied Paddy, 
‘‘and made away from their companionship 
as hard as I could. And I promised myself 
as I came along that I’d warn the person they 
were after if I came up with him.” 

“ Then, Paddy, you’ve kept your promise, 
for unless I am greatly mistaken, I am that 
person.” 


AT RISING SUN 


197 


Paddy uttered a surprised exclamation. 

Now then, look at that,’’ said he. “ Faith, 
it’s a thick head I have entirely not to think 
of it myself. And so,” with great concern in 
his voice, it’s you they are riding to over- 
take ? ” 

“ I suppose,” said Ben, evading this ques- 
tion, “ that you did not gain a very good view 
of them ? ” 

“ I did not,” admitted the Irish lad, for it 
were a part of the road which were over- 
hung by great trees, and sorra a ray of 
moonlight fell upon them. But both of 
tliem were of good size, I could see that, and 
they sat their horses like men used to the 
work.” 

In a very little while the two lads reached 
a section not far from Germantown known 
as Rising Sun ; and it was here that Ben’s 
horse, having been hard pressed all the day, 
suddenly showed symptoms of lameness. At 
a little public house, which showed a glint of 
light in one of the windows, they dismounted, 
and Paddy thundered at the door. After a 
few moments it opened and a man came out, 
holding a light above his head. He was a 


198 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

small man with a lean, crafty face and sharp 
eyes. 

“ What’s wanted ? ” he asked in an angry 
tone. “ What’s this knocking, sirs, at this 
time of night? ” 

" My horse has gone lame,” said Ben. ‘‘ I 
want to leave him here to be cared for, and 
engage another to finish my journey to Ger- 
mantown.” 

You may leave your horse if you care to,” 
said the man. But as for giving you one to 
replace it, that is more than we can do. We 
have but one, and that’s in the city to-night, 
gone with a load of vegetables.” 

What shall we do ? ” said Ben to his com- 
panion. “ I can’t torture my good beast by 
forcing him further.” 

“ There seems to be sorra the thing to do 
but stop here,” said Paddy Burk, “ and make 
the best of it.” 

Ben also felt that nothing else remained 
to do ; but somehow he had a feeling that it 
would not be well. The idea of the two 
riders somewhere along the road came to him 
unpleasantly. 

But,” he thought, trying to shake the 


AT RISING SUN 


199 


feeling off, there is more to be feared afoot 
in the open road than there is in an honest 
public house/^ 

He must have spoken the last few words 
aloud, for the sharp-faced man held up the 
lantern until the rays fell full upon the lad’s 
face. 

“ Do you question the inn, sir ? ** he de- 
manded, bristling. It has had an honest 
name these many years. Drovers, farmers 
and all those going into and coming from the 
city have had bed and board here ; and never 
was there one to say that a wrong was done 
him.” 

“ I say nothing against your house, good 
man,” said Ben. “ For anything to the con- 
trary I know, it may be the most perfect of 
inns.” 

He gave his horse to the man, who led it to 
the barn. Ben and Paddy followed, and after 
stripping the saddle from the animal examined 
the leg. Finding that the strain was nothing 
serious, they rubbed it well, bound it and saw 
that both beasts were fed. Then they went 
into the inn. 

It was a shabby sort of place, dusty and ill 


200 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 


kept; bat they were so situated that they 
could do nothing but make the best of it. 

“ What shall I get the gentlemen for their 
suppers ? ” inquired a huge, red-faced woman 
as she came rolling from an inner room. ‘‘We 
have some excellent ham, and some fowls 
well worth the price we ask for them. Try a 
pair, roasted, sirs ; they are that tender and 
young that they’ll melt in your mouths.” 

But both boys had eaten their evening 
meal, and said so. 

“ If you can give us beds, that’s all we’ll 
trouble you for,” said Ben. 

There was some grumbling at this between 
the man and woman ; but finally the former 
lighted a candle and nodded for the lads to 
follow him. 

“ But take care of the stairs,” he said, as 
they ascended a crazy flight of them ; “ they 
are somewhat old and worn, and we would 
not have an accident happen for the world.” 

“ Why, then,” spoke Paddy Burk, as he 
felt, with no little trepidation, the stairs trem- 
ble under his feet, “ if you are as nervous 
about it as all that, it’s queer that you don’t 
repair them.” 


AT RISING SUN 201 

The man grinned at him over his lean shoul- 
der. 

They don’t belong to me,” he said. “ We 
are tenants of this place, and the owner should 
make the repairs.” 

They reached the second floor through a 
trap-door and found themselves in a low ceil- 
inged room with cobwebs hanging from the 
rafters and the window-panes smutted and 
broken. Two beds of straw were upon the 
floor in opposite corners, and the boys looked 
at them askance. However, they were accus- 
tomed to much worse in the camp, and so said 
nothing. 

I’ll leave the candle with you,” said the 
man as he stood upon the shaky stairs, his 
head and shoulders protruding through the 
trap. We rise early in the morning,” he con- 
tinued, and I suppose you’ll want to make 
an early start.” 

Yes,” said Ben, “ and if you do not hear 
us moving about, landlord, arouse us.” 

The man said that he would, lowered the 
trap-door and disappeared. 

If ray horse is not able to travel in the 
morning,” said Ben to Paddy, as they pre- 


202 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 


pared for bed in the dim candle-light, Til 
have to go on to my father’s and get another.” 

“ That will require us to be stirring early 
then, if we expect to get back to camp at any 
reasonable hour.” 

Ben shook his head. 

I’m afraid the ride back will be much 
shorter than you think.” 

“ What ! Do you suppose ” 

** That the army is going to fall back ? Yes. 
And,” with a sigh, “ it may continue to fall 
back.” 

As Ben stretched himself upon the pallet, 
his mind was busy with the consequences that 
would attend these constant retreats. The 
hands of Washington’s enemies would be 
strengthened ; should Gates meet with a suc- 
cess in the north, he would stand before the 
unthinking as the shining military light of 
the nation, and Congress might go to the 
length of placing him at the head of the army. 
The boy’s knowledge of military tactics was 
necessarily limited, but he was aware of the 
almost certain fatality that would attach to 
this action. The powerful intellect and un- 
shaken fortitude of Washington replaced by 


AT RISING SUN 


203 

the petty vanity of Gates meant but one 
thing. 

Destruction/^ muttered Ben. Such a 
man as General Gates could not sustain a 
series of disasters. He would collapse under 
discouragement, and the army would melt 
away.^^ 

Here Paddy blew out the candle, and 
crawled into bed. As he lay there, a single 
spot of light upon the ceiling attracted his at- 
tention. 

WhaPs that?^^ said he, and arose upon 
one elbow. Ben did likewise, and both stared 
at the spot of light. Then they noticed a 
thin beam coming up through the floor. 

It's a hole," said Paddy Burk. They 
still have a light below stairs, and it's shining 
through." 

As they settled back to sleep, the first heavy 
drops of a rainfall set in. The pattering upon 
the shingles lulled them into that drowsy 
state which comes before deep slumber. 
Through the dim avenues of this, Ben had 
a consciousness that the rain had greatly in- 
creased and the wind had lifted, and after a 
little he became aware that some one was stir- 


204 the young continentals 

ring without in the road. But in his dreamy 
condition the sounds seemed far away. Voices 
were heard, but as though they w^ere the 
voices of persons in the distance. But the 
loud closing of a door aroused him to a more 
wakeful condition ; heavy footfalls were heard 
below, and a voice spoke sharply to the land- 
lord. 

“ I tell you, gentlemen, said the latter, 
I have no more room. The house is a small 
one, and ” 

“ Well, you’ll have to accommodate us 
somehow. Master Host,” said a voice which 
brought Ben to a sitting position. “ There is 
no other place but the ‘ Waggon ^ at German- 
town, and that’s too far in this weather. 
And to return to the city is out of the ques- 
tion.” 

” We have but the one room for guests, sir,” 
stated the landlord. That has but two beds 
and they both are occupied.” 

I told you that it would be better to con- 
tinue,” said another voice, and at the sound 
of this Ben arose. We still had a fair chance 

to come up with him, and ” 

That will do,” said the first voice. A 


AT RISING SUN 


205 

still tongue would be best suited to the occa- 
sion/' 

Stepping softly across the floor Ben reached 
the place where the beam of light shot up- 
ward ; through the crevice in the planks he 
had a good view of the public room below. 

There in the center of the floor stood Tobias 
Hawkins, a riding whip in his hand ; and 
against the chimney piece leaned the long, 
bony form of the man with the yellow smile. 

It was the work of an instant to awaken 
Paddy Burk. The Irish boy was one of those 
who come out of a sleep keen and alert ; and 
he listened quietly as Ben whispered to him 
the necessary particulars as to the men below. 

Arrah, then,” said Paddy, with a yawn, 
** they are the two bla'guards, entirely.” He 
crept with Ben to the hole in the floor and 
surveyed the two below with great interest. 
‘‘And so they are the villains who stopped 
the carriage with the money in it,” he whis- 
pered. “And to think,” astonished, “that 
it'd be the same two whom I met to-night. 
Sure the world is a small place, after all.” 

“ Put our horses up, anyhow,” said Tobias 
Hawkins to the landlord. And after you've 


2o6 the young continentals 


seen them well and fed and littered, awaken 
these travelers and inquire of them if they’d 
not share their room with two gentlemen 
seeking shelter for the night.” 

“ Why, as for the matter of that,” said the 
landlord, as though the idea appealed to him, 
** perhaps we might do something in that way, 
sirs. You see, the two travelers are but boys, 
and they may be prevailed upon to ” 

But the two men stopped him with uplifted 
hands and forward steps. 

Boys ? ” said Sugden. 

** What sort of boys ? ” asked Hawkins. 

** Why, well-grown lads, perhaps of eight- 
een,” replied the sharp-faced landlord. They 
were on their way north on the road when 
one of their horses went lame — not that of the 
Irish one, but the other.” 

The Irish one,” said Tobias Hawkins. 

Ah I ” 

The two watchers above saw him exchange 
glances with his companion, and they were 
glances full of meaning. 

“ We met the Irish lad on the road,” said 
Sugden, “ but, as it chanced, he was alone.” 

“ From their words in the barn, though 


AT RISING SUN 


207 

they spoke little, I drew that the Irish one 
had overtaken the other on the road.’^ 

As like as not,’’ said Tobias Hawkins. 
Then he asked : Did you perchance ask 
their names ? ” 

“ I did not, but it may be that my wife 
did.” He went to a door in the rear and 
opening it called lowly : “ Did you inquire of 
the two up-stairs what their names were? ” 

The voice of the woman replied : 

No. But one of them I’ve seen before. 
He’s the son of Lawyer Cooper who lives at 
Germantown.” 

Ah, yes,” said Tobias Hawkins, as the 
landlord closed the door. 

Do you know him, sir ? ” asked the land- 
lord, curiously. 

“ Very slightly,” said Hawkins, and the 
watchers saw the evil smile which he gave his 
friend. ‘‘ Very slightly ; but I am much in- 
terested in him, nevertheless.” 

Shall I go up and see if they will share 
the room with you ? ” 

Not yet. Put our horses away.” Haw- 
kins surveyed the man closely; apparently he 
saw something in the lean face and sharp eyes 


2o8 the young continentals 


which pleased him, for he laughed, and con- 
tinued : When you return we shall discuss 
their being disturbed or no.” 

And when the man left the room, the two 
sat down by the table upon which burned the 
candle ; the eyes of both were turned in the 
direction of the room above, and both shook 
with silent laughter that was not pleasant to 
see. 


CHAPTER XIII 


SHOWS THE BARGAIN THAT WAS STRUCK BY 
TOBIAS HAWKINS AND HIS FRIEND 

As Ben Cooper and Paddy Burk looked 
down through the crevice in the floor, the two 
men drew together across the table and began 
to speak in tones so low that the boys were 
unable to hear their words. 

“ Faith, they look like grinning imps, so 
they do,^^ commented the Irish lad in a 
wliisper. Sorra another pair like them did 
I ever see.” 

For some little time did the two continue to 
speak ; then the landlord’s entrance inter- 
rupted them. 

“ Now, gentlemen, I am at your bidding in 
any way that I can serve you,” said he. 

Tobias Hawkins regarded him flxedly for a 
short time, then he spoke. 

You have not a very large place here.” 

“ We would have a larger if we could,” said 
the man, surlily. 

** But sometimes small places are very well 
209 


210 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 


patronized/’ and Hawkins looked about the 
dingy public room, plainly disbelieving that 
such was the case here. 

“ The small places 3^ou have in mind,” spoke 
the lean-faced landlord, are very much un- 
like this one, then. We have not enough 
patronage to hire a hostler, even though we 
are on a highroad to the city.” 

“ And the villain told us that he were 
patronized by all,” whispered Paddy Burk, 
indignantly. ‘‘ Faith, I thought it strange 
that he could get so many into one cobwebby 
room.” 

Ben pressed his arm for silence, for Hawkins 
was speaking. 

You will pardon the liberty I take,” said 
the man, “ but I would not say that you were 
very well off.” 

“ If you did say so,” spoke the landlord, 
” you would be saying what had never a grain 
of truth in it.” 

Hawkins laughed ; never for a moment did 
his hard eyes leave the face of the other. 

“ It is seldom, I suppose,” he went on, “ that 
any one comes along who gives you the op- 
portunity to lay something by.” 


THE BARGAIN 


211 


** They never come/’ declared the man, 
sourly. ** For the most part, our patrons are 
like those two,” and his finger pointed upward. 
‘‘ Nothing but a lodging ; not a crumb did 
they eat between them.” 

Hawkins clicked his tongue as though 
greatly in sympathy with the host. 

” You can make no great progress at that 
rate,” said he. 

A man might stay a beggar all his life 
if he depended upon such trade,” spoke 
Sugden. 

Surprised at so much sympathy, the man 
began to make a detailed statement of his 
complaint, and was still more surprised that 
he was listened to. When he had done, Haw- 
kins spoke again. 

So it goes,” said he. ‘‘Seldom, indeed, do 
we get justice done us. Now you,” cocking a 
knowing eye at the landlord, “ are a fellow 
who might make a trifle in other ways beside 
innkeeping. The wonder is that you have 
not tried.” 

“ Stuck here in this place, what can I do? 
And nothing ever comes this way that has 
any money attached to it.” 


212 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 


Hawkins shook his head. 

Perhaps you are wrong there/^ said he. 

I dare venture that many a time there’s been 
a goodly sum, only awaiting the earning of it, 
right here in this very room.” 

“ Them as had it kept it mighty close, then,” 
said the landlord. 

“ It may not have been that. Who knows 
but that it was you who closed your eyes to 
the chance? Why, for all you can see, there 
may be as much as you’d earn in a six-month, 
here to-night, at your hand.” 

For a moment there was silence ; the lean 
claw of the landlord stroked his chin and his 
small, sharp eyes looked into those of Tobias 
Hawkins. 

Maybe I don’t take your meaning, sir,” 
said he, ^‘and then, maybe 1 do. But I will 
say this for myself: If there is such a sum 
here to-night that I can be in the way of earn- 
ing, why, I’m the man for it.” 

Excellent,” approved Hawkins. “ I fan- 
cied to hear some such answer from you.” He 
got upon his feet and advanced, switching his 
boot-leg with his riding whip, to the chimney- 
piece where the landlord stood. You look 



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THE BARGAIN 


213 

to be a fellow of good courage — one not easily 
frightened.’^ 

The man’s hand now left his chin, and his 
glance was swift. 

Now,” said he, I think I begin to under- 
stand you. This money, sir, is how much ? ” 

“ Thirty English sovereigns.” 

The landlord’s eyes glistened in the candle- 
light. 

“ It’s a good sum, in the common way of 
speaking,” he said. “ But, perhaps,” shrewdly, 
“ none too good for the work to be done.” 

Hawkins bent forward and whispered in 
his ear ; then his finger pointed upward, as 
though indicating something in the room 
above. The man shrank a little, and his face 
seemed to blanch. But his gaze remained 
fixed steadily upon Hawkins. 

Ah ! ” said he, with a deep drawn breath, 
so it is that ! ” 

^‘To a man of easy manner and confidence 
in himself,” said Hawkins, the thing is no 
great matter. The like is done often enough, 
I dare be sworn. So what harm if an odd 
case or two be added?” 

To such as that,” said the landlord, and 


214 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

the lean hand was again caressing the pointed 
chin, “ there is risk attached/^ 

Risk 1 Both Hawkins and Sugden jeered 
at the bare notion of such a thing. “ Surely, 
continued the former, you do not fear 
two ” 

But the landlord stopped him. 

“ Not that, mayhap,’^ said he, though the 
two are more than ordinarily well armed. 

Ah, well,” sneered Hawkins, I see you 
are not the man for the money, after all.” 

“ Wait I ” The landlord held up a hand. 
** Just one moment, sirs. What,” and his lean 
face was thrust forward, would you have me 
do with the two lads? ” 

Deliver them up to us — nothing more.” 
Ah ! ” The landlord showed vast relief. 

That is a matter of some difference. How- 
ever, my wife is here ; if you’ll but give me a 
moment I’ll speak to her.” 

He crossed to the inner door and called his 
wife by name. 

There is some trifling matter of business 
toward,” said he. “ The gentlemen have 
money to pay, if we will but set ourselves to 
earn it.” 


THE BARGAIN 


215 

The huge woman rolled from the inner 
room with ponderous slowness. 

Money, did you say ? she inquired, with 
a sharp greed in her tone. “ How much, and 
what’s to do ? ” 

There was a moment’s silence ; then the 
landlord spoke slowly. 

The sum is thirty sovereigns — golden sov- 
ereigns,” his lips smacking the last words as 
though the taste of the yellow metal was upon 
his tongue. 

To be sure, golden ones, if they are sover- 
eigns at all, idiot. Who ever heard of sover- 
eigns of any lesser metal ? ” 

Hawkins laughed at this. 

“ They will be easily earned,” said he. 
** And we will pay, money down, the instant 
the thing is over with.” 

^'What’s to do?” asked the woman once 
more. 

” The gentlemen are friends to the two lads 
up-stairs,” said the landlord. “ And they de- 
sire that they shall be given into their charge.’' 

If we are to earn the gold so easily as 
that,” said the woman, eagerly, “ there they 
sleep above. Take them and welcome.” 


2i6 the young continentals 


** Perhaps it will not be quite so easy as you 
think/' said Sugden. “ They, more than 
likely, will object to accompanying us." 

What ! " cried the woman, with a laugh, 
** would they so stand in the way of our earn- 
ing a trifle of money ? That would be uncivil 
of them." 

“ Nevertheless," said Hawkins, “ they would 
object." 

The great red face of the woman became 
overspread with a grin. 

It may be," she said, ‘‘ that they will not 
care to make their objections very strong. 
We have a way with us — if you do not forbid 
it — of persuading those who do not fall in with 
our desires." 

Rest assured," said Hawkins, “ that we 
forbid nothing." 

Ah I " The huge body of the woman 
seemed to quiver like a jelly as she chuckled. 

I understand you completely, now." She 
turned to her husband. We are forbidden 
nothing," she said. “ Perhaps we can come 
upon them much as we " 

“ Be still," said the landlord, in a low, warn- 
ing tone. 


THE BARGAIN 


217 


But the woman only chuckled the more. 

“ Do you think you can make the gentle- 
men believe we have never undertaken any 
such little matters as this before ? she said. 
Then turning to Hawkins, she said, But now 
that I understand you, sir, I see that thirty 
sovereigns would be too little for what you 
expect. Be a generous gentleman and make 
it fifty. Times are hard, and a thing of this 
sort is both dangerous and difficult.” 

Do what 1 ask, and fifty sovereigns are 
yours,” said Hawkins. 

“ Spoken like the open-handed gentleman 
I took you for,” cried the landlord’s wife, 
delightedly. “ And now,” to her husband, 
let us set to to earn this prize. Do you go 
first, and I’ll follow after with the light.” 

No light,” said the man sulkily, as though 
he did not relish being ordered about. A 
light would waken them.” 

He took a number of straps down from a 
peg behind a door where they hung among 
some odds and ends of harness. From another 
place he took a short, heavy, mace-like weapon, 
at sight of v^hich the woman resumed her 
chuckling and shaking. 


2i8 the young continentals 


** Ah, that is the gentle persuader, she 
said. Many’s the time I’ve silenced an 
over-noisy patron with it. Its reasoning is 
short and sharp, my good sirs, and no one 
who makes its acquaintance remains uncon- 
vinced.” 

“ Enough of your clacking,” said the land- 
lord, sharply. “ Let us set about our work.” 

The two lads expected to see them ascend 
the rickety staircase ; but in this they were 
wrong ; for after a few brief sentences to the 
two guests, the landlord and his wife disap- 
peared through the doorway leading to the 
inner room. 

“ Well,” whispered Ben to his companion, 
** what do you think of this? ” 

“ Sure, and it’s past thinking about it I 
am,” said Padd}^ Burk. “ Never in the whole 
of me life did I see or hear such a lot of com- 
plete blackguards.” 

“ They will be here in a moment or two,” 
said Ben. How shall we receive them ? ” 

Paddy chuckled. 

‘‘ Arrah,” said he, it’ll be no great task to 
upset the landlord and his fat wife, even 
though they have a bludgeon with them.” 


THE BARGAIN 


219 


** Don't forget," answered Ben, “ that there 
remain the two down-stairs. If the landlord 
fails they will not long be idle." 

“ Right," agreed Paddy. But, sure, we 
have no call to be afeered of them, either. 
Let them come, and it's a warm reception we 
will try and give them." 

Then they waited in silence for further de- 
velopments. Ben listened intently for the 
approach of the pair who were stealing upon 
them from somewhere in the darkness. The 
lad had noticed no doors in the room, save 
the one in the floor, and was puzzled to know 
just how they were to be approached. 

However, both he and Paddy Burk drew 
on their clothing while they waited ; and 
when this was done, an idea struck Ben. 

** We'd better have a light ready, so that we 
may get a sight of them when they arrive," 
said he. 

But that would throw us wide open to a 
shot from hiding," protested Paddy. 

We’ll arrange that," spoke Ben. 

With his tinder and flint carefully muffled 
he soon had a light ; then with a burning 
candle screened behind a coat in such a way 


220 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 


that the only illumination was thrown upon 
the far wall, they renewed their waiting. 

It was some time before they caught any 
sound ; and when it came it was apparently 
from without. The rain was still falling 
briskly ; occasionally the thunder pealed and 
the sheets of pale lightning flared across the 
broken panes. Paddy Burk, whose ear also 
detected the movement outside, whispered : 

Faith, it’s a ducking they are willing to 
take, to come at us.” 

1 don’t understand it,” said Ben in the 
same low tone. “ Here we are on the second 
floor, and yet the sounds are seemingly just 
outside the rear windows. I’m going to And 
out about it.” 

He crept softly across the room to the point 
where he knew the rear windows to be. Then 
he carefully lifted his head and peered out. 
In a few moments the lightning flared again, 
giving him a glimpse of a rain-drenched roof 
which was almost even with the sill ; and 
stealing across this toward the windows atone 
of which he stood, was the sharp-faced land- 
lord ; through an open door in the roof the 
huge, red-faced woman struggled clumsily. 


THE BARGAIN 


221 


At sight of these Ben retreated to where Paddy 
crouched in the shadow. 

“ They are coming,” he whispered. 

In a very few moments they heard a creak- 
ing at one of the windows, and then a long 
pause. It were as though the person without 
had caught sight of the dimmed light of the 
screened candle and was carefully examining 
it. Apparently satisfied, however, the creak- 
ing at the window resumed ; a gust of damp 
air showed that a sash had been thrust open. 
Then a sound of another sort told them that 
some one had slid into the room. 

Softly, slowly and carefully, footsteps ad- 
vanced in the darkness ; and when, in Ben’s 
judgment, the intruder had reached the center 
of the floor, his waiting hand drew aside the 
coat and the candle-light streamed about. 

There stood the landlord, arrested in his 
next step by the disconcerting illumination ; 
in his hand he held the bludgeon with which 
he had purposed to stun the expectedly sleep- 
ing boys ; and framed in the open window 
was the huge, red face of his wife. 

Seeing that he was detected, the landlord 
leaped forward with a snarl ; but with a single 


222 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 


blow of his pistol butt, Ben Cooper struck him 
down. At sight of her husband’s fall, the 
woman burst into a dreadful screech of rage ; 
and in the midst of this the boys heard the 
sudden rush of feet below them ; and the 
creaking and groaning of the infirm staircase 
told them that Tobias Hawkins and the man 
with the yellow smile were leaping upward. 


CHAPTER XIV 


HOW BEN AND PADDY BURK MADE AWAY FROM 
THE HOUSE OF DANGER 

When Ben Cooper heard the two men come 
plunging up the crazy old stairs, his active 
brain at once began to cast about for a means 
of defense. The landlord was struggling to 
his feet, the blow, perhaps, having been a 
glancing one. 

Open the trap,^^ cried Ben. 

Though he did not understand why, Paddy 
instantly did as he was bidden. And as he 
was doing so Ben grasped the landlord. The 
man struck out wildly, but the lad was behind 
him and held him fast. 

Down with him,^^ said Ben, swiftly. 

And Paddy, now grasping the idea, also 
seized the man ; with a heave they raised him 
from his feet. The woman shrieked and 
strove to climb in at the window ; then the 
landlord shot through the trap-door full upon 
the oncoming men on the stairs. And this 
223 


224 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

latter structure, infirm as it was, could not 
bear the sudden shock of the impact ; with a 
splintering crash the supports gave way ; stair- 
way and men went down amid a cloud of 
dust, and a chorus of startled shouts. 

Paddy Burk, as he clapped to the trap-door, 
laughed gleefully. 

Why, then,’^ said he, “he never made 
such a hasty going down-stairs of it in his life 
before. And the other two were fair surprised 
at his haste, by the looks of their faces when 
he met them.^^ 

“ You villains,” wheezed the woman, who, 
seeing that success was impossible, had ceased 
her efforts to enter by the window. “ You 
have killed him.” 

“ Arrah, that would be the unlucky thing, 
entirely,” commented Paddy. “ Sure, the like 
of him were intended for the gallows, and it’s 
a shame, so it is, that it should be cheated of 
him.” 

While the woman was panting forth some 
sort of an answer to this, a gust of wind 
extinguished the candle, and under cover of 
the darkness they heard her withdraw across 
the roof, and go groaning through the scuttle. 


THE HOUSE OF DANGER 225 

Now that their own light was out, that which 
came through the crevice in the floor was 
plain once more ; and acting upon the same 
impulse, both boys looked down into the room 
below. 

From the heap of debris formed by the 
collapsed stairway, the three men were just 
arising, and their voices were raised in bitter 
exclamations against those who had been the 
cause of their mishaps. 

They were awake,’’ declared the landlord 
as he rubbed his hurts and limped about. 

They overheard what we were saying and 
were waiting for me.” 

‘^You’re a numskull!” stormed Tobias 
Hawkins. Why did you not say that there 
was some chance of their hearing us ? ” 

How was I to know that they were not 
asleep?” groaned the man. Oh, my head, 
my head 1 ” 

It’s a thousand pities that he didn’t break 
your head,” growled Sugden, trying to remove 
the traces of the fall from his clothes. But 
come,” his eyes glowing evilly, show us the 
way you reached them ; this time they’ll not 
come off first best, I promise you.” 


226 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 


The boys, as they watched, saw the man 
take out a heavy pistol. 

“ This way to the ladder that leads to the 
loft,” said the landlord, pointing to the inner 

door ; “ then to the roof itself, and ” 

Enough of that 1 ” here broke in Tobias 
Hawkins. The watchers saw him gesture 
upward with one hand, as though warning 
them that if the lads had heard what they 
had planned previously, they would be likely 
to do so again. Then the man began speaking 
in a low tone which neither Ben nor Paddy 
could catch distinctly. While he talked the 
landlord secured a short-barreled musket 
from a closet, and Sugden examined his pistol 
with attention. A great deal of Hawkins’ 
low-voiced talk seemed to be the asking of 
questions ; the landlord answered with much 
gesturing and pointing. And while this was 
in progress the huge landlady come rolling in, 
and with great spirit and panting eagerness 
entered into whatever plans were being made. 

As I look at her,” said Paddy Burk, faith, 
I see not a one of them who’s more anxious 
to do us harm than she is.” 

** They all seem determined enough to me,” 


THE HOUSE OF DANGER 227 

said Ben, dryly. And I think it^s time for 
us to take some steps to meet them. It will 
be no great while now before we have that 
short musket and those pistols looking in our 
faces.” 

Once more the candle was lighted and the 
two boys looked about the room carefully. 
There were six windows in all ; two of these 
overlooked the roof in the rear from which 
the landlord had entered ; two were at the 
front with the porch roof directly under- 
neath. 

They can come upon us as easily from the 
front as the rear,” said Ben. ** These two 
windows on the side,” going to them, candle 
in hand, “ overlook the yard which we crossed 
in going to the barn.” 

Paddy Burk peered out at one of these. 

** It’s not much of a drop to the ground,” 
said he, recklessly. 

There is a stone pavement which might 
serve to cripple us,” said Ben. “ Now these,” 
and he bent forward, might help us to avoid 
an injury.” 

So saying he picked up a number of long 
straps from the floor. They were the same 


228 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 


that the landlord had brought, apparently 
with a view to trussing them up ; and when 
he had fallen under the pistol butt he had 
dropped them. 

The luck,” quoth Paddy, is with us to- 
night. Sure, here we are with the way of 
escape placed at our hands by the very black- 
guard that would be the first to send a shot 
after us.” 

Carefully knotting the straps together, they 
fastened one end to a rafter, the other they 
dropped out at a window ; then they collected 
their belongings and prepared to depart. 
After they had extinguished the candle, they 
stood for a moment, listening ; there were 
careful footsteps below and the sound of a door 
opening and closing. 

They are making ready,” said Ben, in a 
whisper. 

With liis pistol in one hand Paddy crept out 
at the window and slid down the leather rope. 
A moment later and Ben had followed him, 
and again they stood listening. From the 
front came a faint scrambling noise, and Ben 
grasped his friend^s arm. 

There^s some one climbing the porch^,” he 


THE HOUSE OF DANGER 229 

whispered. Some one will also make for the 
rear windows 

“ And would draw our attention — if we were 
here,’^ interrupted the astute Paddy. “ And 
while we were watching, or fighting with them, 
those from the front would jump in on us.^' 

In the barn they quickly found their horses, 
and led them out. To prevent possible pursuit 
and a shot in the dark, Ben also brought out 
the horses ridden by Hawkins and Sugden. 
One of these he saddled for himself, intending 
to lead his own lamed animal ; then they 
mounted. 

As they did so, there came a sudden crash 
from the upper story of the inn. Looking up 
they could make out nothing, for the night 
was thick. 

“ They have burst in the windows at the 
back,^' said Ben. 

And at that instant, as though to prove that 
he had judged correctly a few moments before, 
there came a second crash. There was a jingle 
of glass upon the tavern porch, a shout and 
the sound of stamping feet. Then a light 
flared up in the windows through one of 
which they had just passed. 


230 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

''Suppose/' said Paddy, always ready for 
an adventure or a lark, " that we give them 
some small idea as to where we are." 

Then, actuated by a common impulse, they 
drew their pistols and sent a crashing volley 
through the lighted squares of glass above. 
As the windows splintered before the discharge, 
a chorus of startled cries arose, and then with 
shouts of laughter at their parting jest, the 
two boys clapped spurs to their horses and 
went galloping away through the rain. 


CHAPTER XV 


TELLS OF MUCH FIGHTING AND ALSO HOW 
JOHNSON QUINSEY MADE HIS APPEARANCE 

General Lord Howe had demonstrated on 
many occasions since he had taken command 
of the king^s army that he was a man of small 
enterprise ; more than once had his failure 
to follow up an advantage permitted Washing- 
ton's force to recuperate after receiving a 
staggering blow. After Brandywine the 
same thing occurred. Howe, instead of pur- 
suing the flying Americans as a commander 
of proper spirit would have done, camped 
upon the fleld of battle, remaining there two 
days. 

Washington retreated through Darby, and 
crossed the Schuylkill to Germantown, where 
his army had a brief rest. Then, with the 
idea that Philadelphia must not fall even 
though Congress had deserted it, he made up 
his mind to advance once more and ofier 
battle to the British. 


231 


232 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

Ben Cooper and Paddy Burk had rejoined 
the army before it crossed the river ; and now, 
when it began to move once more, were among 
the light horse which had been sent on in ad- 
vance. During the stop at Germantown, Ben 
had gathered his friends in their tent and told 
them in detail of the conversation which he 
had heard at Clark’s Inn between Tobias Haw- 
kins and his companion. They all listened 
with great attention and interest, and when 
he had finished Ezra Prentiss said : 

** So this is the explanation of it. I knew 
there was envy of Washington among some of 
the other officers, and I heard that there was 
jealousy of him, in a certain faction of Con- 
gress. But the reason for these coming to- 
gether and making a common cause against 
him, I had not known until now.” 

‘‘They would risk ruining the country in 
order to further their own ends,” ejaculated 
George Prentiss, indignantly. “ With the 
same breath that they vote starvation to a 
faithful army, they declare themselves pa- 
triots.” 

“ What a change a few years can make in 
men,” bemoaned Ben. “ The first Congress 


JOHNSON QUINSEY 233 

was made up of giants who had nothing but 
freedom from tyranny in their minds, while 
this present one is composed, so it would 
seem, of some of the smallest spirits in the 
land/' 

Nat Brewster, always the most thoughtful 
of the four, had not said a great deal ; but that 
night he sought out General Greene and to 
him imparted Ben’s story. The grave-faced 
Rhode Islander listened with every evidence 
of interest. 

“ Whom did you say overheard this talk ? " 
he inquired when Nat had finished. 

“ Cooper." 

“ Ah I Then we can rely upon the report." 
There was a short silence ; then the general 
said : I will bring the matter to the atten- 
tion of the commander-in-chief. In the mean- 
time, do you keep silent regarding it and warn 
your friends to do likewise." 

However, though Ben expected to be sum- 
moned to headquarters, nothing developed 
that the boys could see. Notwithstanding 
this, he felt that below the surface of things a 
change must be taking place — that the com- 
mander and his trusted friends were fore- 


234 the young continentals 

warned, and would now be better prepared to 
cope with the insidious danger creeping upon 
the states. 

As he marched south once more, Washing- 
ton left a body of Pennsylvania militia to 
guard the city ; a number of other detach- 
ments held the various fords of the Schuyl- 
kill ; orders were given to unmoor the floating 
bridge at the south road ; every boat upon 
the west bank was taken to the east, and so 
an attack was guarded against from this di- 
rection. Down the Lancaster road pushed 
the Americans, horse, foot and artillery, the 
intention being to outflank the enemy. Howe’s 
scouts, however, brought him news of this 
movement, and he at once proceeded to dis- 
pose his army so that he might in turn out- 
flank the Americans. About a score of miles 
from Philadelphia at a place called Warren’s 
Tavern, the two armies came face to face ; but 
before more than a scattering fire could be 
exchanged, a deluge of rain descended, so 
wetting the ammunition of the patriots that 
the attack had to be abandoned. 

Along the streaming roads and under a 
ceaseless downpour the army once more took 


JOHNSON QUINSEY 235 

up its march of retreat. At Warwick Furnace, 
which stood near French Creek, a halt was 
made, and the chilled soldiers given a chance 
to dry themselves and their ammunition. 
From this place General Wayne set off with 
his division to endeavor to form a junction 
with some Maryland troops which were known 
to be somewhere in the rear of the British. 
Two nights later, while hanging upon the left 
of the enemy, Wayne was surprised by a pow- 
erful party under General Gray. Into the 
camp of the unsuspecting Americans plunged 
the British, firing no shot, but trusting to the 
bayonet for their work of death. In this fight 
three hundred of Mad Anthony’s men were 
killed, and the remainder fled. 

And it was only a short time after this that 
Howe marched toward Reading as though to 
seize the American stores gathered in that 
town. Upon the opposite side of the river 
Washington kept him in sight. Some two- 
score miles above Philadelphia, the British 
made an unexpected move in the night. A 
swift countermarch, a crossing of a ford, and 
next morning he was between Washington 
and the city, which he now proceeded to oc- 


236 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

cupy without resistance. There was a parade 
of troops through Philadelphia — the second 
within a few weeks — but how vast was the 
difference between the two. The first was 
that of an unkempt, semi-rabble, unshaven, 
ragged, badly armed, and with little training; 
the second was brilliant with gorgeously uni- 
formed officers, shining with brass and gleam- 
ing with steel ; the disciplined troops marched 
in steady, solid columns ; powerful batteries 
trailed at the heels of great English horses ; 
dragoons, mounted upon fiery chargers, 
pranced along in seemingly endless ranks. 
Little wonder if those true to the cause re- 
maining in Philadelphia were shaken with 
doubt at this splendid display of British 
power ; the Tories were exultant ; the patriots 
looked on with brooding eyes, defiant still, 
but with despair in their hearts. 

Everywhere the detractors of the com- 
mander-in-chief of the American army were 
busy ; in the streets and public places of the 
city, and the towns round about ; in the 
country roads when men met, and in inns 
where travelers foregathered, the bitter venom 
of petty spirits was heard, the brutal criticism 


JOHNSON QUINSEY 237 

of minds uninformed upon the points at issue 
was loud and long. 

We provide him with an army, and he 
uses it to race the roads with/’ would be the 
cry of one. 

He has trained it to run from the British, 
and not to fight them,” declares another. 

Give us a general who has a knowledge 
of the country’s needs,” implores a third. 

Washington will remain without striking a 
blow for so long that we shall be too weak, 
finally, to ever strike it.” 

Give us Gates as a leader,” proclaimed the 
friends of that general, “ and the country will 
be saved.” 

Lee would be the man,” cried still another 
faction who held that general in much esteem. 

If Lee were only not a prisoner of the 
British.” 

And so it went, seeming to gather strength 
each day. Statesmen spoke publicly of the 
weakness, as they styled it, of Washington ; 
and urged their fellow members in Congress 
to depose him. 

He has shown his unfitness to command 
the nation’s forces from the beginning,” they 


238 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

said. But in nothing has it been more 
openly shown than in the campaign just clos- 
ing. He has wasted a month in fruitless 
marching and countermarching.^^ 

To all but those who had the entire field of 
action in mind, this last seemed true. But to 
the few who knew the broad purpose of the 
great general it was the charge of gross igno- 
rance. A month had been used, indeed, but it 
had not been wasted. Away in northern New 
York the powerful army of Burgoyne had 
slowly moved southward, driving the Ameri- 
cans before it through the wilderness. Day 
after day the patriots had fallen back before 
the allied British, Hessians and Indians, and 
day after day they drew them further from 
their base. It had been the understanding 
between Howe and Burgoyne that the former 
was to make a rush upon Philadelphia, take 
it and then send a huge reinforcement to the 
aid of the latter. But Washington under- 
stood this and kept Howe so busily engaged 
that he could not afford to send any of his 
force to form the junction with his fellow 
general;, and now, because of this failure, 
Burgoyne was facing a mass of New York 


JOHNSON QUINSEY 239 

and New England troops with every prospect 
of defeat. 

“ It is shameful I declared young Lafayette, 
in his broken English. “ It is unjust and un- 
fair I They do not understand, and yet they 
will not hold their peace.’^ 

As far as could be seen, all this clamor had 
no effect on Washington ; he calmly looked 
over the prospects before him, disdaining the 
petty natures which threw themselves in his 
way ; and before long he saw an opportunity 
to strike a blow which might undo all that 
Howe had gained. 

Ben Cooper and George Prentiss rode into 
the American camp on the Skippack Creek 
one afternoon early in October. They had 
come upon news of an important move- 
ment and were in haste to bring it to head- 
quarters. 

A large body of the enemy have been sent 
against the Delaware River forts,” was their 
report; and another, almost as large, is con- 
veying provisions ; the camp at Germantown 
is none too strongly manned.” 

That very night the army was under arms 
and advancing upon Germantown, where 


240 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

Howe was encamped ; Philadelphia, some 
miles away, was in charge of Cornwallis 
and another force. Four columns streamed 
through the October dusk along as many 
roads ; two were to attack the enemy^s center, 
the others were to leap upon either flank. 

At dawn on the fourth of October, the onset 
was made; the columns consisting of Sulli- 
van’s, Wayne’s and Conway’s commands 
plunged at the enemy as the pickets sounded 
the alarm. A battalion of infantry and 
Musgrave’s veteran regiment felt the lead and 
steel of Mad Anthony’s men, who burned to 
avenge their defeat at Paoli ; back went the 
British unable to steady themselves against 
the shock. But Musgrave threw himself and 
a few hundred men into Chew House, bar- 
ricaded the doors and windows and prepared 
for defense. Musket and grape-shot tore holes 
in the British, still retreating in spite of the 
pleadings of General Howe, who had sprung 
from his bed when he heard the confusion of 
the flight. 

But instead of leaving a small force to cope 
with Musgrave and his improvised fortress 
and following Howe, the American col- 


JOHNSON QUINSEY 241 

umn came to a stand and spent the greater 
part of a half hour in the endeavor to take it. 
This delay gave the British time to collect 
themselves ; and when the Americans did 
finally press on, they met with a determined 
resistance ; also a dense fog settled upon every- 
thing and they could not recognize friend 
from foe ; different detachments would come 
upon each other and begin a destructive fire 
which would do great harm before either 
learned the other's true quality. And finally, 
when a cannonade away in the rear was opened 
upon Musgrave's men in Chew House, the 
division under Wayne became panic stricken, 
thinking an enemy had gotten behind them. 
Headlong they fied, and in their flight encoun- 
tered another brigade in the fog under the 
American general, Stephens, who took them 
for an attacking enemy, and also began to re- 
treat. Then confusion sprang up everywhere, 
until seeing that it was useless to continue an 
enterprise so stricken with disorder, Washing- 
ton, who had been in the heaviest of the fight, 
ordered a retreat, and the army disappeared 
in the fog with the cavalry, under the soldier- 
like Count Pulaski, covering its rear. 


242 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

This spirited, but apparently unsuccessful 
dash upon the enemy was followed by excel- 
lent results. It taught the British that they 
could not be sure of their ground for a day at 
a time and so restricted their operations to a 
limited area about the city. But the enemies 
of the commander-in-chief did not, of course, 
take this view of the matter ; it was a new re- 
pulse, they said, and their clamor for his re- 
moval grew louder than before. 

A few days later, the Hudson River forts, 
Clinton and Montgomery, fell before the wily 
attack of the enemy ; then Fort Constitution 
was abandoned, and the great waterway was 
open to the enemy as far as Albany. But 
Clinton neglected to take advantage of this 
opportunity to go to the aid of the fated Bur- 
goyne ; the result was that, on October 17 th, 
that general gave up his sword to Gates at 
Saratoga. 

When this later news filtered through to the 
American camp it added fuel to the fires 
already so fiercely burning. 

There will scarcely be any holding them 
now,” said Ben Cooper, as he discussed the 
matter with his friends. “ Gates will be a 


JOHNSON OUINSEY 243 

national hero, and the cries for him will be 
redoubled.” 

“ They say that General Gates is so inflated 
by his success that he deemed it beneath him 
to make a report of his victory to the com- 
mander-in-chief.” 

His victory, did you say, young gentle- 
man ? ” spoke a heavy voice almost at the 
boy's elbow. “ The victory of General Gates ? 

Well, well ” and here the words were lost 

in a laugh. 

The army of Washington was at this time 
occupying a strong position among the wooded 
heights at Whitemarsh, some distance from 
Philadelphia ; the afternoon was cold and the 
boys were clustered about a camp-fire in the 
shelter of a hill. At sound of the words and 
the jeering laugh that followed them, they 
turned curiously, and saw a short, stocky man 
in horseman's dress, standing near by. And 
as they turned he nodded his head good- 
naturedly and moved nearer to the fire. 

“ If it does not inconvenience you,” he said, 
I'll share a bit of the blaze with you, for I've 
had a cold, long ride, and I'm fair chilled 
through.” 


244 the young continentals 

The lads made room for him willingly 
enough ; he seated himself upon a log and 
spread his strong, short-fingered hands out to 
the black-tipped jets of light that leaped from 
the green wood. 

The victory of General Gates, says you I ” 
Again the man laughed and again he nodded 
his head. “ Ah, yes, yes, that’s what it will 
be called ; but, between us all, and in confi- 
dence, mind you. Gates had no more to do with 
the beating of Burgoyne than either one of 
you.” 

** You mean,” said Ben Cooper, “ that 
Schuyler prepared the way — roused the coun- 
tryside — bore the hardships that went before 
and all that.” 

The man nodded. 

I see you understand that part of it, and, 
believe me, young gentlemen, it’s true as gos- 
pel. Schuyler wore his heart out trying to 
get men to stand to the cause ; he worked 
night and day breaking the British strength 
bit by bit, and when it was all ready for him 
to strike. Congress removes him and sends 
Gates.” 

And it is because of this,” said Nat Brew- 


JOHNSON QUINSEY 245 

ster, “ that you say Gates had no more to do 
with it than either of us/^ 

“ That would be enough, indeed, answered 
the man in the riding dress. But, as it hap- 
pens, it is not at all the chief reason for what 
I say. We of the army of the north hated to 
see General Schuyler go, but if we had received 
a fighter in his place we would not have cared 
so much.^* 

Ezra Prentiss regarded the speaker with in- 
terest. 

“ So,^^ said he, “ you are of the northern 
army.^’ 

‘G am,^^ said the man. “My name is 
Johnson Quinsey, and I come from the neigh- 
borhood of Fort Edward. It may interest 
you all to know,’^ and again his good-natured 
smile went from one to another about the fire, 
“ that I am the courier who brought General 
Gates^ report to Congress.'^ 

There was a stir among his young listeners, 
and George Prentiss asked : 

“ Then, perhaps, you took part in the 
Saratoga fight? 

“ That I did,^^ replied the courier, his hands 
held out to the blaze, “that I did, young 


246 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

gentleman, and a tolerable fight it was. But 
Gates you hear of, only — Gates ! Gates I they 
cry wherever I go. But it’s naught but the 
plain truth when I repeat it ; Gates had no 
more to do with the victory than either of 
you.” 

But he directed the course of battle,” 
said Nat Brewster. 

But Johnson Quinsey held up one hand. 

‘‘ It’s a sore thing to say against an Amer- 
ican leader,” spoke he, “ but he might as well 
— aye, much better — have stopped at home. 
Schuyler, like the honest high soul that he is, 
took him by the hand when he came — never 
a thought of jealousy had he in his mind for 
the man who was taking his place. But 
Gates, when he held a council of war, invited 
some inconsequential officers to take part ; and 
General Schuyler was ignored.” 

A murmur went around among the boys. 

‘‘ And when the fight began at Bemis 
Heights did our General Gates lead his men? 
No I such dangers he left to others. Like a 
fine gentleman he took his ease in his camp, 
well removed from the field. Arnold had to 
beg permission to begin the battle.” 


JOHNSON QUINSEY 247 

** A brilliant officer that General Arnold/^ 
said Nat, admiringly, and Johnson Quinsey 
nodded. 

“ There is none more able or daring in the 
whole army. A hard man he is, with a cruel 
eye and the temper of a fiend ; but he wins 
battles that for others would be defeats. As 
it stands, he is the real victor of Saratoga, if 
you must pick any single man.’’ 

There was a short silence ; then the man 
went on : 

“ The first fight shattered Burgoyne’s force 
badly. Arnold had been in the thick of it, 
and knew this, and when morning came he 
once more besought Gates to let him advance. 
But Gates would not. He felt that he had a 
victory in his hands and his little spirit was 
vexed at what he thought interference. You 
should have seen him swell like a turkey 
cock and rear his head. His empty vanity 
maddened the other ; I was close by and saw 
the red rage in Arnold’s eyes. In a fury he 
demanded a pass to go to General Wash- 
ington’s camp ; and, afraid of his genius, 
Gates gladly gave it to him.” 

‘‘ But he did not use it? ” 


248 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

^‘No; I suppose calmer thought told him 
that it would not look well to leave the army 
in the face of the enemy, so he remained, 
though his command was given to General 
Lincoln. For two weeks he fretted and 
fumed, and for two weeks Gates preened 
himself like an empty-headed dandy. And 
when the second battle was raging, Arnold, 
burning to show his zeal and display the 
wrongs that had been done him, suddenly 
emerged from his tent, leaped upon a horse 
and dashed toward the place where the roar 
of the guns told him the engagement was the 
most desperate.’^ 

Here Johnson Quinsey grimaced and 
laughed. 

They say,” he proceeded, that Gates, as 
before, taking his ease in camp while others 
did the fighting, saw Arnold dash away, and 
filled with alarm, sent an aide speeding after 
him to forbid his taking part in the battle.” 

“ But the aide did not overtake him. I’ll 
warrant you,” said George Prentiss, his eyes 
shining. 

“ He might as well have pursued the wind ; 
Arnold rode his great brown horse ‘ Warren,’ 


JOHNSON QUINSEY 249 

and in a little while was careering through a 
sleet of bullets from friend and foe to reach 
his old command. In quiet times in camp 
General Arnold is no gentle officer ; but in the 
fight his men think him unbeatable. So 
when they saw him, though he had no right 
to command them, they shouted forjoy;he 
threw himself at their head and led them like 
a band of demons at the enemy. Nothing 
could stand before him ; he raged up and down 
the field like a madman, the British and 
Hessians flying before his plunging brigade 
as though its very aspect struck terror to their 
hearts. Rushing up to the very muzzles of 
the Hessians^ muskets at a stockade, he drove 
them out, but fell with a shattered leg. 
And,” here Johnson Quinsey laughed grimly, 
‘‘General Gates' messenger came up to him, 
as his men were bearing him to the rear in a 
litter. But it was too late to do any harm. 
Arnold had already won the battle.” 

For quite some time the boys sat discussing 
the surrender of Burgoyne ; then a trooper 
came up, calling : 

“ Cooper ! Cooper I To report to head- 
quarters at once I ” 


250 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

Ben arose. 

“ It’ll be a cold night for the saddle/^ smiled 
he, “ but then, we can’t choose our weather.” 

He had departed, with a wave of his hand, 
and had proceeded some hundred yards or 
more upon his way, when he heard a step in 
the snow at his side; and glancing up, he 
recognized the courier, Johnson Quinsey. 

Your pardon,” said the man, and in the 
rays of a near-by camp-fire, Ben noted an in- 
tent expression upon his face. I heard you 
answer to the name of Cooper ? ” 

“ That,” said Ben, “ is my name.” 

‘‘Benjamin Cooper?” The man’s head 
bent a trifie nearer, as though to show the in- 
crease of his interest. 

“ The same,” answered the boy. 

There was a brief pause, then the man said: 

“ It is odd how chance guides one’s foot- 
steps, at times. When I approached that fire 
where you sat I had no thought of meeting 
with you, and yet it was the hope of seeing 
you, alone, that brought me to this encamp* 
ment.” 


CHAPTER XVI 


IN WHICH BEN MEETS A STRANGER AND HEARS 
OF THE INN WITH THE GREEN LIGHT 

For a space after Johnson Quinsey spoke 
these surprising words, Ben remained looking 
at him, steadily, but in silence. At length he 
spoke : 

“ I am honored, indeed. Master Quinsey, to 
know that I am considered worthy of the 
trouble it must have cost you to get here.” 

Johnson Quinsey waved his hand. 

Let us not start with any misunderstand- 
ing,” said he, with engaging candor. ” The 
fact is, I did not know that such a person as 
yourself existed before two days ago. Another 
thing, it is a matter of business, and not your- 
self that brings me ; so you see there is no 
great honor attached to the matter.” 

Ben laughed ; there was something about 
the courier’s blunt way of speech which he 
liked. 

” Why, as to that,” said the boy, ‘‘ of course 
I am vastly disappointed. But we’ll pass 
251 


252 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

that by and come to the business without any 
parleying. I am wanted at headquarters.’’ 

Johnson Quinsey smacked his boot-leg 
smartly with his thick-stocked whip. 

For a lad,” said he, “ you have a clever 
knack of promptness. I noted that when you 
answered the call, and I was pleased with it.” 
He stood gazing at the boy, reflectively. 

But,” he resumed, musingly, “ I had no 
notion when I first heard your name that it 
was that of such a stripling.” 

The stripling stage,” said Ben, good- 
humoredly, ** will pass if given time. Master 
Quinsey. And remember,” smiling, “ that 
years alone do not give wisdom.” 

** Well do I know that, young gentleman,” 
said the other ; well indeed do I know it. 
I have seen them who are three times your 
years, and not once have they been spoken of 
as I have heard you spoken of.” 

” Ah,” said Ben Cooper, it’s a grave pleas- 
ure to be well spoken of by distant friends. 
Walk along with me to headquarters.” 

Ay, that it is,” and the tone of the man’s 
voice was slightly mocking. That it is, my 
lad. But what if you should hear that you 



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THE GREEN LIGHT 


253 

were ill spoken of, and that the distant ones 
were not friends ? 

In that case,^’ said Ben, promptly enough, 
“ I should say that it were all one. To have 
enemies speak evil of one is to show that one 
is at least worthy of their ill will.” 

If all that I've heard,” said Johnson 
Quinsey, ‘‘ be taken at its face value, you are 
ill thought of, indeed, in certain circles. 
But,” and the man's face grew grave and his 
tone lost its lightness, it was not mere ill 
speaking only that I marked. They fear 
you ; and where such as they fear, there is 
danger.” 

For the person feared ? ” said Ben. 

** Exactly. And their arms are long, young 
gentleman, and their clutch is strong. They 
are not ones to be despised, these enemies of 
yours at York.” 

** At York I ” said Ben. The Congress was 
now meeting there. His eyes took on a 
glint that the other noted immediately. It 
was that sparkle which comes with expecta- 
tion. 

No less a place,” said Johnson Quinsey. 
Then regarding the boy steadfastly, he con- 


254 the young continentals 

tinued : It may be that you could, if you so 
desired, name one or more of these/^ 

I fancy that I could name one at least, 
said Ben. And, perhaps,’^ returning the 
man’s look, quietly, “ there might be two 
whom I could select.” 

Ah, yes, perhaps there might,” said John- 
son Quinsey, encouragingly. “ And to ven- 
ture so far ” 

Tobias Hawkins,” spoke Ben. 

Excellent,” approved the man. Once 
more.” 

A long man with an evil smile ; his name 
is Sugden.” 

^‘Better than ever,” applauded Johnson 
Quinsey. It is something indeed to know 
two such as these, especially,” with a nod of 
the head, when they hold such thoughts as 
I’ve heard them express of you.” 

“ But,” said Ben, there were some others, 
I believe, judging from your tone.” 

“ A very few, but quite select enough to 
please any one,” said the man. “ You have 
no need to feel ashamed of the quality of the 
enemies you have made. A member of Con- 
gress or two, a colonel much thought of in 


THE GREEN LIGHT 255 

certain circles, and some gentlemen of note 
who are not openly connected with the affairs 
of the nation/^ 

“ They honor me too much,^’ said Ben. 

But,” in another tone, “ as you know, I am 
summoned to headquarters, and must not de- 
lay. At another time I will see you and 
speak with you on this subject.” 

Another time may not come for many a 
day,” said the man. And then, doubtless, 
it would be too late. What I have to say 
must be said now if it’s to do you any good, 
for I ride north at daylight to rejoin Gates.” 

Ben looked at the speaker inquiringly ; the 
man’s aspect was grave ; indeed, he had all 
the appearance of one who bore sober tidings. 
After a little space, Johnson Quinsey re- 
sumed : 

To relate in detail all that has come to 
my knowledge would take more time than 
you now can give, and, perhaps, would be of 
no benefit either. So, then, I will tell you 
what I must tell, in a very few words.” He 
laid his hand upon the boy’s shoulder. 

These men fear you for the things that you 
know, and to which you alone can testify. 


256 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

There is a plot which is intended to place 
you in their power. What it is I do not 
know. But its workings will be secret, and 
the lure will be one totally unexpected by 
you.^^ 

There are many such just now,^’ said Ben, 
bitterly. Indeed, Master Quinsey, those 
given to plotting seem to exceed those willing 
to fight. 

“Do you know any one of the name of 
Seaforth ? asked Johnson Quinsey. 

“ I do,’’ said Ben. “ A young fellow of my 
own age, and a courier much used by head- 
quarters.” 

“Ah, I seel” The man looked at him 
with sober eyes. “ Well, Master Cooper, take 
care of this young Seaforth, for he is somehow 
engaged with your enemies. Another thing : 
Do the words * Crossed keys ’ suggest any- 
thing to you ? ” 

Ben shook his head. 

“In some way they, also, are to play their 
parts, though just how is more than I can 
say. However, young gentleman, beware of 
Seaforth and of an3^thing having to do with 
' crossed keys.’ More than that I cannot tell 


THE GREEN LIGHT 


257 

you, and in parting I can only wish you 
luck/’ 

Ben grasped the courier’s outstretched hand. 

I thank you,” he said, gratefully. “ I 
understand very well that harm is meditated, 
for these men have attempted such before ; 
but how they propose to set about it this time 
is more than I can imagine. However, Master 
Quinsey, I will keep Seaforth in mind and 
also the ^ crossed keys.’ Perhaps they will be 
the beginning of a clearer understanding.” 

I trust that it shall prove so,” said the 
rider ; “ and now, good-bye.” 

With another hand-grasp the two parted, 
one walking off among the camp-fires, the 
other making his way toward headquarters. 

Once at the latter place, Ben was greeted 
by a businesslike aide. 

Cooper,” said he, ” we are instructed to 
send a brace of couriers for special service at 
York. The man asked for is now absent, and 
I intend sending you in his place. The choice 
of a second horseman is left to him for some 
reason, and this privilege I will pass on to 
you. So select your man ; your orders will 
be given you when you are ready to depart.” 


258 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

To-night ? ” asked Ben, his hand at a 
salute. 

“ At once,^^ replied the officer, briefly. 

In a half hour Ben Cooper and Paddy 
Burk were standing on the cold porch at 
headquarters, while their horses stamped in 
the snow. The bareheaded aide from the 
open doorway spoke to Ben : 

You are to report to the secretary of Con- 
gress ; what service you are to render he will 
be able to say.^^ 

With that Ben and his friend saluted and 
mounted ; then they sent their nags at a 
canter along the darkening road. 

‘HPs no night to be taken away from a 
comfortable fire,” shivered the Irish lad as he 
drew up the collar of his coat and pulled his 
hat down to protect him from the keen wind. 

Adventures are to be had at night, 
Paddy,” laughed Ben. Don’t forget that.” 

Why, then,” said the other, it’s the truth 
you speak, so it is. A ruction is a fine thing 
at any time ; but at night — especially on a 
dark, cold night — there seems to be more en- 
joyment in it.” 

The horses’ hoofs beat steadily upon the 


THE GREEN LIGHT 


259 

frost-bound road ; mile after mile they put 
behind them ; the few houses to be met by 
the way were dark ; their inhabitants seemed 
deep in sleep. 

Faith,” said Paddy, after a long silence, 
** it’s a queer thing entirely to have a couple 
of gossoons ride all the way from Whitemarsh 
to York to, maybe, carry a parcel of letters 
somewhere else. Could they get no ready lads 
at their hands, sure ? ” 

“ Special service of some sort,” said Ben. 
** It can be nothing of any great haste, how- 
ever, for it will take some little time for us to 
get there.” 

They clung to the Lancaster road, and as 
raiding bodies of British were frequently seen 
upon this highway, the boys kept a watchful 
eye, and saw to it that their pistols were ready 
to hand. As the night wore on, it grew, if 
anything, colder ; the road seemed deserted 
save for themselves. 

Ben had made up his mind to this, when 
suddenly he chanced to notice, some little dis- 
tance to one side, a flicker of light. He was 
about to remark on its queerness when Paddy 
spoke : 


26 o the young continentals 


Hello ! Is it a light I see there ? ** 

“ It is,” said Ben. 

“ Why, then,” spoke Paddy, “ it’s queer 
conduct it do be having, so it is. Do you 
mind the little jumps it gives, as though it 
were trying to call out to us ? ” 

Ben’s eyes were upon the light as his com- 
panion spoke, and he felt that Paddy had de- 
scribed the idea conveyed by the light exactly. 
It moved in short, rapid circles for a moment ; 
then it would wave to and fro, and up and 
down. 

If it had a voice it would call to us,” said 
Ben with a laugh. I never saw anything 
so mutely eloquent. It must be a signal of 
some sort.” 

The British ! ” whispered Paddy, his hand 
going to his pistol. 

It may be,” said Ben. And then it may 
not be.” He slipped from his horse and 
handed his bridle to Paddy. 

“ Is it going over there you are ? ” asked the 
latter, surprise in his tone. 

Yes,” said Ben. “ It seems to me that 
this is something that should be looked into.” 
Then telling Paddy to remain where he was 


THE GREEN LIGHT 


261 

until he called, Ben made his way through the 
darkness toward the light. This had now 
grown still and burned with a steadiness that 
showed that it was a lamp of some sort. 
Carefully Ben picked his way along a sort of 
cow path that branched off from the road, and 
in a very few minutes he came upon a huge 
fallen tree, against the trunk of which leaned 
a man holding a lantern in his hand. As Ben 
advanced toward him the man held up the 
light and chuckled. 

“ I thought you were not going to stop,^' 
said he. ‘‘ But I see you were on the lookout.’^ 
He who goes about with closed eyes on 
nights like these,^^ spoke Ben, “ will be like 
to run into danger. 

“ Dangers there be, and plenty,^^ said the 
man. He placed his lantern upon the fallen 
tree and took a few steps up and down, swing- 
ing his arms. And as he stepped there came 
a sharp, clicking sound ; glancing down Ben 
saw that the man wore a wooden leg, the top 
of which was shod with iron. Danger there 
be and plenty,” repeated the man with the 
wooden leg. ** And that yoiTd find, sir, if you 
really went all the way to York.” 


262 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 


Ben glanced sharply at the man. 

And what/' asked he, “ makes you think 
that I might be on my way there ? " 

The man paused in his w^alk and turned a 
face upon the lad, all agrin in the lamp- 
light. 

“ Let us not discuss the how or why of 
things," said he. It is for us to do as we 
are bidden and question nothing. Master Sea- 
forth." 

Again Ben's eyes went to the man’s face 
with more than usual sharpness. 

Seaforth I ” was what shot through his 
mind. “ That is the name of the man whom 
Johnson Quinsey bid me beware of, only a 
few hours ago." 

To the other, however, he said : 

“ You have made something of a mistake, I 
think, sir. My name is not Seaforth.” 

The iron-shod point of the timber leg rang 
sharply upon the frozen ground. The owner 
of it waved his hand after the fashion of a 
man who concerns himself with nothing which 
does not immediately bear upon him. 

You were sent as a courier to York, were 
you not ? " asked he. 


THE GREEN LIGHT 


263 


Ben nodded. 

“ And you selected a certain one to accom- 
pany you, as requested ? 

Yes,*' answered the boy. 

“ Then let your name be what jmu will,^^ 
said the one-legged man. “ I have nothing to 
do with your likes and dislikes in such things. 
I was to meet you here, and I was to signal 
you. And then I was to see that your com- 
panion was not within ear-shot, after which I 
was to tell you that your stopping place shows 
a green light over the door. Once inside you 
are to ask for Master Bleekwood. He will 
tell you the rest.’’ 

For a time Ben stood looking at the man ; 
a score of questions were in his mind, but a 
natural caution even in the midst of his sur- 
prise prevented the asking of them. How- 
ever, he ventured one : 

Why were not these instructions given me 
before I started ? ” 

Again the man grinned ; also he took his 
lantern as though about to move on. 

“ Perhaps,” said he, you were not to be 
trusted. It sometimes happens, as you must 
know, if you are a person of any wide experi- 


264 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

ence, that it does not do to make too complete 
a revelation of one^s plans at first — even to 
those whom we know the best/' He waved his 
lantern at Ben. A good night — or morning 
whichever it may be — to you, young sir. It's 
over cold to be standing in the open. Novem- 
ber nights are not like those of August." He 
stumped away a short distance, then turned 
and placed his hand to his mouth that his 
voice might carry only in the direction he 
desired. Remember, there is to be a green 
light showing over the door ; and you are to 
ask for Master Bleekwood." 

Again he waved the lantern, and again he 
turned and went his way, the iron tip of the 
wooden leg ringing against the frozen ground. 

In a few moments Ben had reached his 
horse and mounted ; and in a few more he had 
imparted to Paddy what had passed. He had 
already informed the Irish lad concerning his 
conversation with Johnson Quinsey, and at 
this new cropping up of the name of Seaforth, 
Paddy was surprised. 

“ It's queer enough," he said, as they rode 
along, to have one so quickly follow upon 
the heels of the other. * Beware of a man 


THE GREEN LIGHT 


265 

named Seaforth/ says one man ; and ^ Your 
name is Seaforth/ says the other, for all the 
world as though he were expecting this same 
person/^ 

“ Which he was, in point of fact,” said Ben. 

He said he w’as sent to signal him, to say 
to him, privately, that he was to stop at a 
house which showed a green light above the 
door.” 

For an hour they rode steadily, discussing 
with interest this queer new turn of events. 

Green is an excellent color for a light,” 
quoth Paddy, sagely, ‘‘ but in this case, faith, 
it's little enough I like it. It’s better for 
you if you take warning by what Master 
Quinsey said.” 

“ He said nothing about green lights,” 
smiled Ben. 

He would if he had thought of it,” main- 
tained Paddy. 

And at his last word he noted Ben draw up 
close beside him and felt his grip upon his 
arm. 

“ Look — directly ahead,” said Ben. What 
do you see? ” 

An inn,” said Paddy. 


266 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

“ There is a light above the door/’ and Ben’s 
grip tightened. “ What color is it ? ” 

“ Green 1 ” answered Paddy Burk, and he 
sat straight up in his saddle. 


CHAPTER XVII 


HOW BEN AND HIS FRIEND PAUSED AT ** THE 
CROSSED KEYS ’’ 

For a space Ben Cooper and Paddy Burk 
sat their horses in the cold road, and stared 
at the house which showed the green light. 

Well,” said Ben, “ there it is I At least 
our one-legged friend was no dealer in un- 
truths.” 

Paddy wagged his head. 

No,” said he, he was not. But sorra the 
one of me would trust much to him for all. I 
didn^t see him, to be sure, but for all that, I 
take him to be a blackguard.” 

It may be,” said Ben, that he is that, and 
perhaps worse than that. But,” and there 
was a note in the boy’s voice which his com- 
panion had come to know, I rather fancy 
that there is considerable interest behind what 
he said ; and perhaps we should not pass this 
place by without giving it a glance.” 

There it is, then,” said Paddy. “ There it 
267 


268 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 


is before you. So take your glance and let us 
be off.” 

“ A glance at the inside,” smiled Ben. 

There may be something under that green 
light which we should know about.” 

But Paddy Burk shook his head. 

Better leave it alone,” spoke he. 

What,” said Ben, in a tone of banter, do 
you at last pass by a chance for a ‘ ruction ’ ? ” 

“ Faith, then,” and Paddy slipped from his 
horse, at a hint like that, it’s not for my 
father’s son to hang back. Come along, then ; 
I’m with you to the end of it, whatever it 
brings us to.” 

But now it was Ben who showed the 
greatest caution. As he, too, dismounted, he 
said : 

It will be best, perhaps, for us to tie our 
horses at the roadside.” 

Arrah, but you have the fine head on 
you, so you have,” admired Paddy. A 
good notion it is, for sorra the one of us 
knows how soon or how suddenly we’ll be 
wanting them.” 

Accordingly the two horses were made fast 
to a tree near at hand ; then the lads ad- 


“ THE CROSSED KEYS " 269 

vanced toward the house with the green 
light. 

It was a low stone structure with broad, 
small paned windows and a huge sloping 
porch. Directly over the door burned a 
lantern of green glass, and through the 
windows streamed the yellow illumination of 
candles. As they stepped upon the porch, the 
murmur of many voices came to their ears. 

They have a most excellent patronage for 
a place so situated,’^ spoke Paddy Burk, after 
a glance through one of the windows. “ Sure 
a body would think a tavern upon a road like 
this would be lonely enough.” 

Ben lifted the great wrought-iron latch and 
opened the door. The place was filled with a 
babble of voices ; a knot of men sat at each 
table eating and drinking and talking loudly ; 
a huge fire of logs blazed and roared in the 
chimney place ; there was a bustle of serving 
men and women, and over all, the fat land- 
lord beamed smilingly. 

A cold night, sir,” said this worthy, to 
Ben, with a little bow, ‘‘a cold night for the 
road, young gentleman.” 

“ Cold enough,” replied Ben, cheerily. 


270 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

And your excellent fire is none amiss, land- 
lord/^ 

Bless you,'’ smiled the host, “ you are not 
the first to find that out to-night, by a good 
bit, sir." 

Quite a company," said Ben, and as he 
spoke he surveyed the gathering curiously. 

“Quite, sir," answered the other, well 
pleased. “ It taxes us to serve them all ; but 
we are being paid for it in coin, so what 
matters a trifie of labor? At times like these 
when the Americans come down on us we are 
usually paid in notes," and the landlord made 
a wry face. “ And wdien it’s the British, they 
do not bother to pa}^ at all." 

There was a short silence, then Ben said in 
a low voice : 

“ Perhaps, sir, you might have the ac- 
quaintance of a Master Bleekwood." 

The expression upon the host’s face changed 
instantly from one of careless good humor to 
one of acute interest. 

“ Ah, so it is you, then," he said. “ I am 
most pleased to see you, indeed." Then lift- 
ing his voice he called, before Ben could pre- 
vent him : 


“THE CROSSED KEYS” 271 

** Master Bleekwood, a gentleman desires 
the favor of a word with you, sir.” 

At the far end of the room a man in a 
brown velvet coat arose. He was tall and 
thin and had cadaverous cheeks and long 
hair, tied in the back and faintly powdered. 
He approached with hasty, nervous steps. 

“ Sir,” said he to Ben, “ I am pleased to see 
you.” 

Nothing behindhand, the lad replied : 

“ And I am glad to see you, Master Bleek- 
wood. Indeed, I have had quite a deal of 
interest in you from the moment I first heard 
your name.” 

“ That,” said the man in the brown velvet 
coat, “ is exceedingly kind of you.” His eyes 
went nervously about, as though he feared 
his words might be overheard. “But,” re- 
sumed he, “let us find a more secluded place; 
it is exceedingly annoying that there should 
be so many here just now.” 

“How does it happen so?” asked Ben, as 
they went down the room, and took seats at a 
table which had been occupied by Master 
Bleekwood alone. 

“ People interested in our matters going 


272 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

to York to attend Congress,” nodded the 
other. 

Ah,” said Ben, wisely, 
see you understand,” said Bleekwood. 
Then, after a glance over the company, he 
went on : “ It will be no great while, now, 
before we have the movement upon a most 
excellent footing. And when that is finally 
accomplished, the object of our labors will be 
accomplished shortly after.” 

No doubt,” said Ben, with the same air of 
knowledge. “ Not the slightest doubt in the 
world.” 

The cadaverous Master Bleekwood coughed 
behind his hand. 

I am quite pleased to find you so very 
confident,” said he. I am delighted, in 
fact. You see,” and he bent confidentially 
toward Ben, “ I am not at all the sort of per- 
son to be engaged in this matter — least of all 
the matter of to-night. My nerves are not of 
the strongest, and the condition of things is 
quite a pressure upon them.” 

“ I can understand that very well,” said 
Ben, groping in the dark, but determined 
to go as far as he might in the matter. 


^ “ THE CROSSED KEYS 


273 

** These are troublous times in more ways 
than one.” 

Indeed, yes,” said Master Bleekwood. 
“ Indeed, yes, sir.” His eyes wandered back 
to the spot where he had greeted Ben, and he 
added : That is — ah — your friend, I take 

it?” 

Ben glanced in the same direction as his 
companion and saw Paddy engaged in what 
seemed a most interesting conversation with 
the landlord. 

** Yes,” replied Ben, nodding, that is my 
friend.” 

** He seems over young for one who has 
caused so much unrest,” complained Master 
Bleekwood. But,” as he shook his head 
sadly, ** one cannot go by ages in these strange 
times. Why, they say Lafayette himself is 
not yet twenty.” 

“ No more than that, at the most,” spoke 
Ben. 

And to think that one so youthful must 
have so much power invested in his per- 
sonality,” sighed the melancholy Bleek- 
wood. It's a most strange thing, sir, most 
strange.” 


274 the young continentals 

** Lafayette, you mean, of course,^^ said Ben. 

'‘Eh? Oh, no, no I Your — ah — friend, 
yonder. He has told what he knows, to be 
sure ; but that matters little. What is to be 
guarded against is his testimony, should any 
slip ever be made and the entire matter come 
to a — well — ah — public hearing.” 

“ I see,” said Ben. 

" Master Hawkins is a most careful gentle- 
man,” spoke Bleekwood. 

“ Master Tobias Hawkins I ” 

" Yes. He is extraordinarily careful. He 
says the small things are the ones which usu- 
ally wreck the largest enterprises.” 

“ Perhaps there is much wisdom in that,” 
spoke the lad, now more alert than ever. 

“ I dare say there is. But Master Hawkins 
finds many impediments in his path. Con- 
gress, or a part of it, is anxious enough to 
dispossess the commander-in-chief. But there 
are some steps which it will not counte- 
nance, and which must not be brought to its 
notice.” 

“ To be sure,” said the lad. " That I sup- 
posed taken for granted. The present affair 
now is ” he paused, questioningly. 


“ THE CROSSED KEYS 


275 


Is one of them ? Why, yes/^ Master 
Bleekwood seemed very much troubled. “ It 
is of that sort, 1 understand.’^ He paused a 
moment, and then once more leaned toward 
Ben, confidentially. And this being the 
case, I am convinced that it should not have 
been entrusted to me.” 

** Perhaps not,” said Ben. 

” A person with stronger nerves, now,” said 
Master Bleekwood, “ would have been a more 
fitting selection. It has sometimes occurred 
to me that I would scarcely be prepared to 
cope with a sudden emergency.” 

For the first time Ben’s attention was caught 
by something in the man’s tone — ^a lurking 
something which did not at all agree with his 
words. Without appearing to do so, Ben 
looked more closely into the face of the other. 
Its drawn thinness, he now saw, was not the 
result of disease. The jaw was square and 
powerful ; the eyes, which had seemed 
sunken, he now noted were merely over- 
shadowed by more than usually high cheek 
bones. 

The coping with sudden emergencies is 
scarcely my best quality,” said the man, still 


276 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

in low-voiced confidence. ** I am hardly 
what would be called a man of action.’^ 

Lurking in the eyes of the speaker as he 
said this was a glint of mockery, which did 
not escape the boy. And, as he caught it, the 
suspicion at once flashed through his mind : 

'' Is he playing with me ? Is all that he has 
said mere pretense? 

But Bleekwood proceeded : 

‘‘ It was Master Sugden who approached me 
first. He seemed to fancy me for the task, 
for some reason. 

** * A young gentleman of the name of Sea- 
forth will ride the road to York on such and 
such a night,' said he to me. * And there will 
bear him company another young gentleman 
of the name of Cooper.' " 

Ben started at this, but covered the fact by 
making a pretense of turning slightly in his 
chair. Bleekwood went on : 

‘ The matter is one to be kept secret,' said 
Sugden to me, * for there are foolish prejudices 
abroad as to certain things. The youth Sea- 
forth you may trust to do his share of what's 
going forward. And you will meet him and 
the — ah — other, at the Crossed Keys.' " 


■ “ THE CROSSED KEYS ” 277 

** The Crossed Keys ! ” echoed Ben, his eyes 
opening wide. 

‘‘ Why, to be sure,^^ said the other. The 
Crossed Keys Inn — where we sit at the present 
moment.’^ 


CHAPTER XVIII 


SHOWS HOW MOLLY HAYES AND A KETTLE OF 
SCALDING WATER PLAY THEIR PARTS 

For a moment Ben Cooper was so startled 
that he could not speak, and his astonishment 
was as plain in his face as in his manner. It 
was perhaps fortunate for him that a turmoil 
in the room took Bleek wood’s attention from 
him, otherwise he would have undoubtedly 
attracted that person’s attention in a way that 
he would not have cared to do. 

The turmoil grew louder, high voices be- 
came higher ; the inn people were clustering 
about in a fright ; but still Ben gave it no 
attention. His brain was so busy with some 
truths which had just dawned upon him, and 
for the time he knew nothing else. 

Beware of a man named Seaforth, and of 
the Crossed Keys,” had been the warning of 
Johnson Quinsey. And within a very few 
hours afterward the lad had been mistaken for 
Seaforth, had been directed to a place which 
278 


MOLLY HAYES 


279 


turned out to be an inn called the “ Crossed 
Keys,” and Bleekwood, the man whom Sea- 
fort h was apparently to meet, had mistaken 
Paddy Burk for Ben himself. 

“ Now let me get it clear in my mind,” was 
the boy’s thouglit. There is some sort of a 
plan against me by Hawkins and his confed- 
erates ; a part of this was heard in some chance 
way by Johnson Quinsey. This scout, Seaforth, 
is a friend to the enemies of General Washing- 
ton ; and he was the man sent for to ride to 
York to-night ; of that I am confident. One 
other was to bear him company ; he was to 
have the selection of that other, and I am 
convinced that it was to have been I. But, as 
it chanced, he was gone when his orders came ; 
and by a still greater chance, I was selected in 
his place. And, now, here I am face to face 
with the agent of the plotters, if not one of 
them ; and he, not knowing Seaforth except 
by name, thinks I am he. And poor Paddy, 
who stands so innocently beyond there, is 
placed in the danger that should be mine.” 

But his attention was drawn from Paddy at 
that instant by an increase in the disturbance 
before mentioned. All eyes were turned in 


28 o the young continentals 


the direction of the uproar, and well they 
might, for never before was there so much 
noise by one person. It was a gigantic young 
man with an inflamed face and a reckless air ; 
he seemed possessed by alternate spirits of 
destruction, mirth and combat. First he 
would lift a heavy oaken chair and dash it to 
pieces against the stout walls ; then, as though 
highly amused at his own performance, he 
would burst into a gale of laughter ; and a 
moment later, his humor changing, he would 
brandish his enormous fists in the faces of 
those nearest him and dare them to grapple 
or fisticuff with him. But all declined the 
invitation with much promptness, at which 
the young giant resumed his work of destruc- 
tion once more. 

Finally, unable to bear it longer, the 
landlord approached. 

‘^What’s this, sir?” demanded he with an 
air of assurance, which he, perhaps, was far 
from feeling. Must you break up my fur- 
nishing, young gentleman ? Has a madness 
come upon you that you should do the like? 
Have done, sir ; have done at once.” 

The young giant glared at him ; here at 


MOLLY HAYES 281 

length, so it seemed, was one who would op- 
pose him. 

“ Ah, so you are there, are you, mine host 
of the Crossed Keys ? cried he, delighted at 
the prospect of having some one at whom to 
level his humor and perhaps receive his blows. 
“ And so you object to my amusing myself, 
eh ? 

I object to your destroying my property, 
sir,^’ said the host. “ It is a wanton injustice 
to do such a thing in a peaceable house. 
Have done, sir. The damage already here 
will cost a pretty penny I 

** What, would so brawny a fellow as your- 
self cry out about an injustice?’^ demanded 
the giant. Would you prefer to make a 
complaint of the tongue rather than one of 
the hand ? Surely a fist like that of yours 
was made for brisker work than you do. 
Come then,’^ and here he shattered another 
chair upon the oaken floor. You will do 
something to prevent the like again. Pm 
sure.'^ 

I am not given to the bandying of blows, 
said the landlord, who for all his bulk was soft 
and ill conditioned. It is not my trade, sir; 


282 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 


I ask you if you be a gentleman to cease your 
mad behavior/^ 

And with this mild admonition, the host, 
seeing his obstreperous guest advancing toward 
him, retreated down the room in the direction 
of the table at which sat Ben Cooper and 
Master Bleekwood. The latter turned nerv- 
ously to the boy, and said : 

“ One always meets with conduct such as 
this in a crowded inn. It is most unseemly 
and objectionable ; and its effect upon my 
weakened nervous state is ill, indeed.’’ 

As the landlord’s retreat was a trifle hasty, 
the advance of the giant did not come up with 
him; he had entered the kitchen and closed 
the door by the time his pursuer had covered 
half the distance, and so the huge young man 
leaned against a table and held forth as to 
cowardice. 

“ He who will not risk his great carcass in 
defense of his property is a poltroon,” delivered 
he, loudly. If any were to do the like by 
me, I’d fight him if I had but one leg to stand 
on.” 

As it chanced the table against which he 
leaned was that of Bleekwood and Ben ; and 


MOLLY HAYES 


283 

as he continued to volley forth, the former 
touched him upon the arm and ventured 
mildly : 

“ I ask your pardon, sir, but if you have no 
very serious objections would you select an- 
other leaning place ? ” And as the giant 
turned and glared down at him, he hastily 
continued as though in explanation: “You 
see, your present attitude is somewhat inter- 
fering with my comfort, and as I am a person 
of no very robust health I must look to it that 
my comfort is not taken from me/^ 

“ Ah,’’ said the giant, “ and so you must 
look to your comfort, must you ? Well, Mr. 
Longshanks, I'll see what I can do to aid you 
in that.” And with that he stretched out one 
huge hand, gripped Master Bleekwood and 
dragged him to his feet. “ Your comfort 
must not be interfered with, do you say, my 
gentleman ? ” demanded the giant. “ Ah, 
well, let us see what can be done to add to it, 
for one like you should be coddled, indeed.” 

“ Sir,” spoke Master Bleekwood, not mak- 
ing a move in his captor’s grasp, “ this is most 
undignified. Release your grasp upon my 
shoulder, I beg of you.” 


284 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

Not until you have asked my pardon upon 
your knees/^ said the giant. I feel, good sir, 
that I have been most grossly insulted, and 
if this is not 

Suddenly Master Bleekwood’s whole aspect 
changed ; with a tremendous wrench he freed 
himself from the grasp of the other, and 
with a deftness that could only have been 
gained by long experience, he spun about and 
planted a half dozen short, powerful blows 
upon the man’s face. With the blood stream- 
ing from mouth and nose, and roaring with 
pain, the young giant steadied himself for a 
rush. But before he could make a move a 
door behind him opened, and a strong girl 
with red hair and a freckled, good-looking 
face stepped into the room. 

‘‘ Gintlemen, gintlemen I ” she cried, with 
a brogue as thick as Paddy Burk’s own, “ will 
you give over your noise? Sure, how in the 
world can a poor wounded officer on his way 
home to his ould father get a wink of sleep if 
you go on like this ? Is it a bedlam instead of 
a decent inn that we’ve got into?” Then 
her quick, bright eye noting that the giant 
was responsible for most of the turmoil, she 


MOLLY HAYES 


285 

marched sturdily to his side. Young gintle- 
man,” she continued, “ will you close your 
mouth and give over your great talk ? Is it 
do harm by your noise to a soldier, who got 
his hurts in his • country’s cause, you’d be 
doing?” 

The young man turned his inflamed face 
upon her. 

Take yourself off, you kitchen wench,” he 
growled. Hold your tongue, while I grind 
the bones of yon pretty gentleman.” 

But the freckle-faced lass was not to be 
daunted by a savage tone of voice. 

“ Is it me you call a kitchen wench ? ” she 
demanded, her arms akimbo. And I’m to 
hold my tongue as well, am I ? Well, sir. I’ll 
not do that, but,” and with a swift movement 
she suited the action to the words, I’ll take 
hold of your ear for you, you villain of the 
world.” 

Taken aback, the giant glowered. 

Let go, you virago I ” he shouted. 

Sit down I ” ordered she, shoving him 
into a chair. And stay there ! Faith, it’s 
ashamed of yourself you ought to be, to be 
after raising such a pother about the place. 


286 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 


Keep quiet now, for if it’s again I have to come 
out to you, it’s the back of my hand I’ll give 
you, so it is.” 

And with that and a whisk of her short 
skirts she was gone. And as she departed the 
landlord reappeared armed with a stout staff 
and backed by a number of his ablest waiters 
and hostlers, also armed. But the blows of 
Master Bleekwood, and the fearless front of the 
Irish girl had had their effect upon the giant, 
for he kept his chair quietly enough ; what re- 
mained of his humor was vented in a low mut- 
tering, the purport of which was not intel- 
ligible. 

And after things were fairly quiet once 
more, Ben Cooper spoke to Bleekwood. 

It were a thousand pities, sir, that your 
health is not what it should be. Otherwise 
you would be able to resent such affronts as 
that fellow put upon you.” 

The lad spoke drily ; there was a suspicion 
of mockery in his eyes. 

“ Why, as for that,” said the man, I have 
often thought that health is a thing greatly to 
be desired. But it is a boon not meant for 
me, that I sadly fear. If I were possessed of 


MOLLY HAYES 


287 

it, I might be able to do some little thing to 

protect myself; but as it is and he 

shook his head and sighed. 

This, then, was a favorite pose of the melan- 
choly Bleekwood ; he desired to seem back- 
ward in any matter requiring physical effort, 
and a nervous weakling in things calling for 
courage. 

But,’* thought the lad who sat near him, 
he is a pretty fighter enough. Indeed, I 
would say that it would go extremely hard 
with any but the best who faced him.” 

** It were well that I could provide myself 
with a half dozen strong fellows to-night, so 
tliat there might be no missing the point of 
our efforts,” said Bleekwood. 

“ Ah ; and so there are some others ? ” said 
Ben. 

‘‘ To be sure. It would require one much 
more stalwart than I to venture upon a mat- 
ter of this sort, alone. No, no I I can plan 
and I can direct others as to what to do ; but 
to engage in the matter in other ways — no I ” 

“ Master Hawkins is not here, by any 
chance?” said Ben, with a studied careless- 
ness. 


288 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 


The cadaverous one shook his head. 

** No,” said he, “ he remains at York.” 

** And Master Sugden ? ” 

** He is also there. Ah,” regretfully, “ they 
have the skilled portions of the work to do, 
and while I try not to envy them, I cannot 
help a slight feeling somewhat akin to it. 
The Marquis,” in a dreamy sort of way, 
** makes a splendid companion.” 

“ The Marquis ? ” questioned Ben. 

** The Marquis de Lafayette, that is.” 
Master Bleekwood clasped his hands behind 
his head and fixed his eyes upon the ceiling; 
and his aspect was that of one who sees 
pleasant things. ** A splendid companion, 
indeed,” he went on. So much of the spirit 
of youth, so much dash and enterprise and 
the desire for adventure and experience.” 

“ He is with Tobias Hawkins, then ? — and 
Master Sugden ? ” 

” At York,” replied Bleekwood. At 
York. The Marquis is no idiot. He has 
been here long enough to see how matters 
stand. Youth seeks success, not failure. 
And Washington is not the winning general.” 

” Ah,” said Ben Cooper. 


MOLLY HAYES 


289 

His eyes went about the room, seeking 
Paddy ; but the Irish lad was nowhere to be 
seen. Indeed, now that he thought about the 
matter, he had not seen his friend since a few 
moments before the now subdued giant had 
begun his destruction of the furniture. 

I don^t see my friend,^’ said he to the man 
opposite him. 

Bleekwood took his eyes from the ceiling. 
‘‘ There were one or two of my fellows close 
at hand a few minutes ago, and I signaled 
them that he was the person they were wait- 
ing for. I rather think, languidly glancing 
here and there, “ that they have managed to 
draw him away somewhere.’^ 

With the full knowledge strong upon him 
as to what this meant, Ben Cooper was 
startled. But he did not permit it to be seen. 

You were speaking of the Marquis," said 
he, insinuatingly. “ But, to be candid, I do 
not see just why he should be bothered about. 
He is but a boy — he has no experience as a 
soldier. If Master Hawkins desires to attract 
officers from Washington's army, why does he 
not make an effort upon Greene, or Sterling, 
or Wayne? " 


290 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

But Bleekwood waved one long, thin hand. 

Greene and Wayne and Sterling are all 
very well,’^ said he. “ Most excellent gen- 
erals, every one. But we are not seeking 
generals, my dear sir. No, no I far from it. 
We have generals a-plenty. What is re- 
quired is the induence that will count across 
the sea.^’ 

Across the sea? said Ben. 

In France, to be more explicit. Master 
Silas Dean and Master Benjamin Franklin 
have done much to arouse interest there in 
the American cause. And now that a great 
victory has been won at Saratoga, France will 
see her way clear to taking definite steps in 
the matter. If the French king sends over a 
fleet and an army, which he will now no 
doubt do, his stated preference to Congress as 
to what leader his commander shall deal with 
will have a powerful bearing upon Congress.’* 

And Master Hawkins thinks that to win 
Lafayette to his side will turn the favor of 
France toward General Gates?” 

‘‘ He has some such notion — and a most 
excellent one it is, I think.” 

But the Marquis is not in the king’s good 


MOLLY HAYES 


291 

graces. He ran away here to America against 
the king’s wishes.” 

The king was forced to forbid his going 
because of political reasons. But, secretly, he 
was delighted when he made safely away ; 
for France desired some one to overlook con- 
ditions here and speak the truth concerning 
them. Another thing, the gallant conduct 
of the Marquis in sacrificing everything to 
take up the cause of liberty aroused great 
enthusiasm in Paris. They rave over him ; 
the queen and the other great ladies sent him 
offerings of their admiration. Lafayette is 
but a lad, it’s true,” spoke Bleekwood, but 
that faction which holds his support will have 
a heavy advantage.” 

Master Hawkins is a far-seeing man,” said 
Ben, thoughtfully. There are few points in 
the game that escape him.” 

There are none,” claimed the cadaverous 
Bleekwood, in high admiration. He misses 
nothing.” 

And no sooner had these words been uttered 
than there again came a great noise from some- 
where within the inn. Voices were lifted, 
steel clashed upon steel, and footsteps rushed 


292 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

to and fro. Thoughts of Paddy came to Ben, 
and he leaped up, drawing his pistol. But 
the shouts changed in tone, the blows ceased ; 
but the rushing footsteps increased ; then a 
door was flung open and a half dozen rough 
looking fellows, swords in hand, came pour- 
ing into the public room, cries of fear upon 
their lips. Behind them, her blue eyes shin- 
ing with indignation and bearing a huge 
kettle of scalding water in her hands, was the 
red-haired Irish lass who had subdued the 
roystering giant a short time before. 

Out with you, you thieves,” cried this 
redoubtable person ; “ out upon you I Is it 
kill a decent boy you’d be doing? Out of my 
reach now, or I’ll scald the dirty hides off 
every one of you. Arrah, don’t be threaten- 
ing me now, for sorra the bit is Molly Hayes 
afraid of your bodkins, you blackguards. Go 
along now, or I’ll dash every drop I have here 
into your ugly faces.” 

And as she stood there in the doorway, the 
steaming vessel held aloft, fronting the scowl- 
ing men, Ben, to his great relief, saw peering 
over her shoulder the grinning face of Paddy 
Burk. 


CHAPTER XIX 


IN WHICH BEN RECEIVES A LETTER AND RIDES 
TOWARD YORK 

For a moment it seemed as though the 
group of ruffians might take heart and fly at 
Molly Hayes, despite the scalding reception it 
was in her power to give them. But before 
they could fully make up their minds, the 
landlord and his fellows hurried up. 

What's to do now ? " demanded the worthy 
host, bewildered at this fresh outbreak. Is 
the house never to be at rest ? How, sirs," to 
the men, with your swords out — and at a 
woman. For shame ! And you, mistress," 
to the girl, will nothing do but flourishing 
one of my coppers in the faces of my guests ? " 
‘‘Your guests!" The girl put the vessel 
upon the floor, and wiped her arms with her 
apron. “ And pretty guests they are for any 
one to have around about them." She pointed 
to the room which she had just left. “ Upon 
a bed there is the lieutenant, as you know, 
293 


294 the young continentals 

and there I sits by his side, giving him his 
medicine and his small bite to eat. And then 
open bursts the window like a thunderbolt 
and into the room they leaped, their swords 
in their hands, like a lot of robbers.’^ 

We’d never have bothered you if it hadn’t 
been for him,” and one of the men pointed at 
Paddy, who still stood all agrin behind the 
girl. 

Take shame for you, a parcel of thieves, 
each with a sword in his fist, all after the life 
of one poor boy. No wonder he jumped 
through the window into the room to get 
away from you, and small blame to him.” 

But diplomatically the landlord, without 
any inquiries into the cause of the outbreak, 
soothed everybody ; the result was that the 
men put up their weapons and grumblingly 
took seats at a table far down the room, while 
Molly Hayes and Paddy Burk disappeared 
into the room from which they had emerged 
a few moments before. 

The cadaverous Master Bleekwood had 
regarded this scene with scornful eyes. 

“ The clumsy rascals,” he now said to Ben, 
they have ruined their chances. I might 


A LETTER 


295 


have expected such.’^ He arose to his feet. 
“ Do you/^ said he, “ try and quiet any 
suspicions which your friend may have ; I will 
have a quiet word with these fellows of mine.” 

Ben sat at the table trying to collect his 
thoughts which had been badly scattered by 
the events of the last few moments ; then, 
more by chance than anything else, he saw 
the door which had closed in Paddy Burk 
open a trifle and a hand beckon him into the 
room beyond. He went to the door and 
passed through ; Paddy Burk immediately 
closed it behind him. 

Why, then,” said Paddy, and his face had 
lost none of the grin of a short time before, 
why, then, this is the great night entirely. 
Did you have a fair view of it all ? ” 

Yes, I think so,” replied Ben. ** But, tell 
me, how did it come about? ” 

“ As I were standing watching the landlord 
and the rampaging fellow a while back,” said 
Paddy, ** a gossoon comes up to me and begins 
a bit of a discussion. I’ll never know how it 
came about, but soon we were head over ears 
in a quarrel ; and then he invited me to the 
outside where we could settle the matter with- 


296 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

out further words. Out I goes with him, 
behind the inn ; but sorra a blow was struck 
before the rest of them made at me. So I 
slipped open the window nearest me and dove 
in with the lot of them after me. The rest, I 
think, you know already.^^ 

And a-plenty it is to know, faith,” said 
the voice of Molly Hayes. Sure, it’s fair 
ashamed of myself I am for making such a 
botheration as I have to-night. But a body 
must not allow himself to be imposed upon. 
And above all, the lieutenant must not be 
disturbed.” 

As the girl spoke Ben for the first time saw 
a pale young man, with a bandage about 
his head, propped up on a sort of couch. 
There was something familiar in his aspect, 
but Ben did not recognize him until bespoke. 

What,” said he, “ and have I changed so 
much, Cooper, that you do not remember 
me?” 

Lieutenant Claflin I ” Ben advanced and 
took the wasted hand held out to him. Why, 
can it be you, indeed? ” 

All that’s left of me,” said Lieutenant 
Claflin with a wan smile. ‘‘ I happened to 


A LETTER 


297 


have been sent to the neighborhood of the 
Highland forts some little time ago ; and on 
the day the British made their attack, I was 
at Fort Clinton/^ 

“ Were you badly hurt? asked Ben. 

It could have been worse,’' said Claflin. 
“ But it was bad enough as it was. However, 
I am now on the mend, and Molly, here, is 
taking me home.” 

Home ? ” Ben looked puzzled. 

Ah, yes, of course, you have not heard ; 
but since the army of Lord Howe has been in 
the possession of Philadelphia, my father has 
changed his place of residence to the town of 
York.” 

Many have done the like,” said Ben 
Cooper. “ My own father has been forced 
from his house at Germantown and is now at 
Reading.” They discussed the situation fora 
time and then Ben said : You must have 
suffered great hardship in the long journey 
across the Jerseys.” 

“ Not so much as you might think,” replied 
Lieutenant Claflin with a laugh. “ Here’s 
Molly, wife to a fine fellow who is a sergeant 
in the artillery, Hayes by name ; and she’s 


298 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

stood between me and all the hard knocks I 
would otherwise have had/’ 

Arrah, then, sir,” said Molly Hayes, is 
it leaving you to die I’d be doing ? And you 
with the young sister and old father you’ve 
so often told me about I Anybody could see 
by the way you speak of them, sir, that it’s 
the world they think of you ; and if you’d 
a-died what would they have done at all, at 
all ? ” 

Sure enough, Molly,” said young Claflin, 
soberly ; “ sure enough. Well, they will 
have you to thank when we get to York.” 

It’s little enough they have to thank 
me for I ” protested Molly. Sure, anybody 
would have done the like.” 

** Well, nobody .but you made any attempt 
at it,” said Claflin. ‘‘You must know,” and 
the speaker turned to Ben, “ that Molly is a 
great girl.” 

“So I should think,” laughed Ben, “after 
the few exhibitions of her prowess which I 
have witnessed to-night.” 

Molly laughed and flushed at this. 

“ Arrah, don’t be judging me from that, 
young gentleman,” she pleaded. 


A LETTER 


299 


** No, indeed, smiled Claflin, ** subduing a 
bully and putting to flight a crew of mur- 
derous wretches like those a while ago are 
scarcely performances that will do her com- 
plete justice. Now at Fort Clinton, for ex- 
ample 

Hush, lieutenant,’^ commanded young 
Mistress Hayes. But he never heard her. 

When the enemy had hemmed us in so 
that there was scarce time for the hindmost to 
make safely away, who remembered that there 
was a loaded cannon left unfired? Who was 
it that went back, in the peril of her very life, 
applied the match and discharged it in their 
very faces as they came rushing on, shouting 
in triumph ? Who but Molly Hayes, her- 
self?” 

The lieutenant is a kind-hearted young 
man,” Molly explained to Ben. “ And he do 
be always giving more credit to people than is 
their due.” 

I can plainly see that you’re more than an 
ordinary person, Mistress Hayes,” smiled Ben, 
and so I will not take even your own word 
against yourself.” 

And so laughing and chatting they passed 


300 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

a half hour; at the end of this time Paddy 
Burk and Molly Hayes and Ben and Lieuten- 
ant Claflin became immersed in more mo- 
mentous things. 

‘‘ My father/^ the young officer had said, 
“ does a great deal of entertaining, even at 
York.^^ 

This remark was brought out in his insist- 
ing that Ben make them a visit while in the 
town. And instantly upon hearing it, Ben^s 
face took on an expression of much serious- 
ness. 

In Philadelphia,’^ said he, ^*all the notables 
flocked to your father’s entertainments.” 

The lieutenant laughed. 

And they do so at York, if what I hear be 
so,” said he. 

From that moment Ben grew more and 
more thoughtful ; it were as though he were 
revolving an important something in his 
mind. After a little the lieutenant noticed 
this. 

Hello,” said he. What is it? ” 

‘‘ I was just thinking,” answered Ben, ** of 
a small chain of incidents which happened 
to-night, and also of some larger things, which 


A LETTER 


301 

took place some time ago, but which are inti- 
mately connected with them.” 

I see.” 

** And,” proceeded Ben Cooper, I have 
been wondering if ” 

If — what ? ” inquired Claflin, as he paused. 

I scarcely think you will understand un- 
less I tell you all that has happened,” said 
Ben. “ So if you will listen ” 

Go on,” directed the young lieutenant. 

So with that Ben began the story of Tobias 
Hawkins at the point where that gentleman^s 
path had first crossed his own ; step by step 
he followed it until he reached the doings of 
that very night. And when he had done the 
lieutenant drew a deep breath. 

‘‘ Well,” said he, in amazement, this is 
indeed a tale.” 

It is not done even yet,” said Ben. 

I can see that,” replied the other. “ I 
can see that readily enough.” 

The story of Tobias Hawkins is not yet 
finished,” said Ben. “ Nor will it ever be, to 
the satisfaction of true believers in liberty, at 
any rate — until several links are added to the 
chain by a hand other than his own.” 


302 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

You have some sort of a plan/’ cried the 
other, sitting more upright upon his couch. 

What is it?” 

Listen,” said Ben. And so, with their 
heads close together and their voices pitched 
low, they sat for the better part of another 
hour. And when they had finished. Lieu- 
tenant Claflin grasped Ben’s hand. 

‘T’ll do what I can,” declared he. “ And my 
father and sister will do the same. If success 
to your plan can be won by effort upon our 
parts, depend upon it that we will do our best.” 

That is all I ask,” said Ben. 

After a few moments more the latter arose. 

We must make haste,” said he. Paddy 
and I are on our way to York now, and must 
lose no more time. However, I will see you 
before a great while.” 

And so with good-byes for the injured lieu- 
tenant and his nurse, Ben and the Irish lad 
made their way out by a rear door. 

It will be just as well,” said Ben, if we 
avoid the attention of Master Bleekwood and 
his friends. Our way is a long one, and we’ll 
be the better for not having an enemy in our 
rear.” 


A LETTER 


303 


Their horses were found where they had 
tied them ; they mounted silently and pro- 
ceeded upon their way. Nothing further was 
encountered upon the road ; and after a weary- 
ing ride they finally reached York to learn 
that their .services were not in demand. 

A curt reception/^ said Ben, thoughtfully. 

‘‘ It have a queer look, so it have,’^ said 
Paddy, scratching his head. 

“ In that it agrees with many other things 
which we have encountered of late,’’ spoke 
Ben Cooper. And it agrees entirely with 
the idea I formed some time back regarding 
this summons.” 

“You mean ” 

“That we were never really wanted — here. 
It was Seaforth and I who were wanted, at 
the Crossed Keys — Seaforth the decoy, and I 
the victim.” 

As soon as they were sufficiently rested they 
returned to the American camp, and made 
their report. However, Ben said nothing as 
to what had happened upon the road, and 
warned Paddy to do likewise. 

Not long after this the forts Avhich guarded 
the passage of the Delaware fell before the 


304 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

assault of the British. A pressure was 
brought upon Washington to attack Phila- 
delphia, which he resisted with all his might. 

“ Shall the army of the north alone win 
victories? ” was the cry. Can we not strike 
even a blow with the army of the Schuylkill? 
Give us a general who will fight.’^ 

With at least outward calm, Washington 
faced this fresh outburst against him. He 
knew that the British defenses were too 
powerful to be taken at that time, and he 
refused to dash his small force against their 
bristling lines. 

It would mean only destruction,” said he, 
and the greater part of his officers agreed with 
him. 

His enemies, always at work, about this 
time succeeded in altering the form of the 
Board of War — and most significant of all. 
General Gates was made president of it. 
Mifflin was also one of the five who composed 
the board, which had the direction of military 
affairs in its hands ; and it was plain to be 
seen that these two were intended to be the 
master spirits of the war. At once the board 
began its work. Two inspector-generals were 


A LETTER 


305 


appointed ; and one of these was Conway, who 
was given the rank of major-general, in the 
teeth of Washington’s plainly expressed opin- 
ion as to the man’s unfitness. 

Seeing that nothing was to be gained by 
keeping the field in the dead of winter, 
Washington now prepared to hut his army 
at Valley Forge, about twenty miles from 
Philadelphia. At once another cry burst 
upon him. 

“ Why have we raised and officered an 
army ? ” was the burden of this complaint. 
'‘Its purpose is to protect us from our 
enemies. And to do this it should keep the 
field.’^ 

The brave heart of the commander-in-chief 
burned in his breast at this ; his gallant fel- 
lows were without shoes, blankets or clothing 
to protect them from the icy winds. Their 
tents were thin and gave them little shelter ; 
and to ask men so circumstanced to keep the 
field was heartless and inhuman. So in spite 
of the storm of protest, the ragged army took 
up its gloomy march through the snow to 
Valley Forge. Cold, bitter weather was upon 
them ; the naked feet of many left bloody foot- 


3o6 the young continentals 

prints in the snow. And yet, while this suf- 
fering was being undergone, great quantities 
of clothing, shoes and woolen stockings were 
lying at intervals along distant roadsides, 
rotting for want of teams, supplied by those 
in charge of such things, to cart them where 
they were held in such pressing need. Wash- 
ington's enemies were now in charge of such 
supplies, and this was another blow leveled at 
him — a blow calculated to break his high heart 
and cause him to throw up his commission. 

Inch by inch the plotters had forced Gen- 
eral Schuyler from his command in the north; 
successful there, they were now using the same 
methods upon Washington. But through it 
all he stood unflinching and unmoved save 
by the suffering of his soldiers. The depths 
of the conspirators^ meanness was equaled 
only by the depths of his courage ; the ob- 
stacles erected in his path, the pitfalls dug for 
his feet were meant for one whose patience 
and patriotism could be measured. But in a 
splendid soul like that of General Washington, 
these virtues are unmeasured ; and so he passed 
on serene and unmoved, his calm eyes fixed 
steadily upon the future. 


A LETTER 


307 


It was while the naked army shivered in 
the midst of that most rigorous of winters at 
Valley Forge that Ben Cooper one day re- 
ceived a letter. It read : 

“ Come at once. Everything now ready. 

A glance at the signature showed that it was 
Clafliri ” ; then instantly he went to head- 
quarters and requested leave to visit York at 
once. As the young rider was possessed of 
the confidence of those in command, this was 
granted without delay. Immediately his 
horse was saddled and eagerly mounted ; and 
away he went over the winter road. 


CHAPTER XX 


TELLS HOW LAFAYETTE ASTONISHED GENEKAL 
GATES 

The Claflins occupied a fine old house over- 
hung by giant elms ; and in the drawing- 
room of this Ben was greeted by Lieutenant 
Claflin and his father. 

** Pray you sit down and take the chill of 
the road out of your bones,” said the old 
gentleman, placing a chair for the boy. 

A fine fire of billets was roaring away in the 
fireplace ; Ben sat down with the others, and 
in a very few moments their talk was all of 
the subject nearest their hearts. 

** Such villainy!” said old Mr. Claflin. “ I 
never dreamed of such.” 

They have approached the point of it, at 
least,” said the lieutenant. ** As you told me 
that night at the Crossed Keys, an attempt is 
to be made to draw young Lafayette away 
from General Washington.” 

“ You have learned something of this defi- 
nitely, then ? ” asked Ben, eagerly. 

308 


LAFAYETTE 


309 

Yes. According to your plan I have used 
all my time since being here in convincing 
them that I am not averse to their views, 
and ” 

Old Mr. Claflin gestured his distaste. 

‘‘ I would there had been another way of 
doing this/^ said he. “ I have no liking for 
double dealing in any form.^^ 

Nor said the young lieutenant. ** But 
to deceive them was perhaps the only way to 
success.’* 

Without a doubt/’ said Ben. Such men 
as these refuse to fight in the open, or in such 
a manner that one can deal them a hearty 
blow. One must adopt their own methods if 
they are to be fought at all.” 

** I suppose you are right,” sighed old Mr. 
Claflin. Fight fire with fire.” 

They have come to consider us as sharing 
their views,” spoke the lieutenant, and have 
grown less and less averse to speaking their 
minds before us.” 

The house is alive with them,” said old 
Mr. Claflin. And never such a crew of sor- 
did conspirators did I encounter an3nvhere. 
They mask their desires, to be sure, behind a 


310 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

pretense that what they advocate is for the 
country’s good. But,” with a gesture of 
contempt, “ not for a moment do they lose 
sight of their own personal ends.” 

Lafayette has been offered an independent 
command,” said Lieutenant Claflin. “ An 
expedition is to be organized against Canada ; 
if he will accept he is to be placed at the head 
of it, with General Conway second in com- 
mand. According to their plans, the latter, 
by his superior experience and natural mili- 
tary talents, would soon assume the real 
command.” 

“ I see.” 

This is supposed to have two results. 
The Marquis will be drawn away from the 
immediate influence of Washington, and the 
favor shown him by those opposed to the 
commander-in-chief will bind him to them 
permanently.” 

Ben sat with his chin resting in his hand, 
his eyes staring into the fire. 

A separate command,” said he, musingly. 
** And not only that, but a command that is 
to be pushed forward to immediate conquest. 
The conquering of Canada has been the 


LAFAYETTE 


311 


ambition of many of our generals. And to 
have an opportunity of doing what so fearless 
and able a soldier as Arnold failed to do, is a 
very great temptation.’^ 

You think, then,” quavered Mr. Claflin, 
** that Lafayette will not be strong enough to 
resist ? ” 

Ben shook his head. 

No,” said he, “ I think iust the reverse of 
that.” 

Lieutenant Claflin looked at Ben keenly. 

“ From your manner I would say that you 
know something that we do not know,” said 
he. 

Ben did not reply to this, but continued : 

If it were preferment Lafayette sought, he 
would have remained at home, for there all 
the honors he could desire were at his hand. 
No ; his ambition is much higher than mere 
personal advantage ; and the command of an 
army will not tempt him.” 

He is to meet them here,” said the 
young lieutenant. They are to have a din- 
ner, a private dinner — and then they are to 
spread their net.” 

When is this to be? ” 


312 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

To-night,” said the other. Lafayette is 
already arrived in York, 1 understand.” 

It will be like the meeting of a band 
of low conspirators,” said old Mr. Claflin, 
thumping the stick, which he always car- 
ried, upon the floor. “ If I could, I would 
take them all, and pitch them into the 
road.” 

Lieutenant Claflin laughed. 

Patience, father, patience. That, though 
perhaps in another form, may come later.” 

That day and the next passed, not without 
great anxiety to the Claflins. The possible 
winning away of Lafayette from Washington 
and the consequent bestowal of the expected 
favor of France upon his enemies was a matter 
of great consequence to them, for they, indeed, 
had the welfare of tlie nation at heart. But 
Ben Cooper did not join in their nervous talk ; 
he remained very calm and thoughtful, though 
as the time for the meeting of the conspirators 
drew nearer, he displayed an eagerness that 
was noticeable. 

Old Mr. Claflin looked at the long table 
with its spotless napery, shining china and 
fine old silver plate ; the candles burned in 


LAFAYETTE 


313 

high candlesticks at regular intervals, and a 
chair was placed for each expected guest. 

“ There is one for you,’’ said he to Ben. ** I 
thought you’d like to hear what goes for- 
ward.” 

“ No, no,” spoke Lieutenant Claflin, hastily. 

That would be impossible ; how could we 
explain the presence of a stranger at such a 
time as this ? ” 

Far easier to explain the presence of a 
stranger than to explain mine,” laughed Ben. 
‘‘ You forget that my very good friends, Tobias 
Hawkins and Master Sugden, are both to be 
here. What would they say did they perceive 
me seated opposite them ? ” 

Mr. Claflin struck his hands together. 

Why,” said he in comical vexation, I 
had forgotten that entirely. To be sure I 
What could I have been thinking of ? You 
are, really, the very last person in the world 
whom they should find here.” 

However, the old gentleman had got it into 
his head that Ben should be a witness to the 
proceedings ; and realizing that he could not 
show himself, he set about contriving a secret 
means of his seeing and hearing what took 


314 the young continentals 

place. There was a small apartment adjoining 
the supper and reception rooms ; and over the 
communicating doors of each there was a nar- 
row transom. These the old gentleman had 
opened and a thin curtain was drawn across 
them, making them the best possible place of 
observation. 

Ben was at once placed in this room, and 
with a book and a candle by the fire, began to 
while away the time. No great space elapsed 
before the knocker sounded, telling him that 
some of the guests had arrived. At once he 
put out his candle, and sat in the semi-dark- 
ness beside the fire, waiting. 

Several persons were shown into the recep- 
tion room, and as the door closed behind the 
man servant who had admitted them, their 
voices came plainly to the ears of the waiting 
lad. 

Br-r-r-r I A cold enough night, Sugden.’^ 
‘‘ For all intents and purposes. But the 
season is none too cold for Price to make his 

way here from Phila ” 

“ Hush 1 It will be just as well not to speak 
too loudly of such things.’^ 

Ben noiselessly arose, mounted a chair, and 


LAFAYETTE 


315 

peered through the curtains at the transom. 
The two men stood before the fire, and their 
voices were pitched in a low key. 

It must have been something of impor- 
tance to bring him all this distance in such 
weather,’^ suggested Sugden. 

“ Howe has made a most excellent stroke, 
said Hawkins. Then, though Ben listened 
eagerly, the voice sank so low as to be almost 
unintelligible. General Charles Lee is to be 
exchanged.’^ 

“ What,'^ said Sugden, “ at this time ? 
Surely not. Why, he is regarded as a mili- 
tary genius by the rebels.’^ 

Hawkins laughed lowly. 

He is regarded so — yes. But is he really 
such? Howe does not think so, at any 
rate.” 

“ If the Americans but believe irf him, that 
will be enough to give them heart. It should 
be Howe’s plan to keep them plunged in their 
present discouragement as deeply as pos- 
sible.” 

Again Tobias Hawkins laughed. 

Perhaps,” said he, General Howe has a 
more complete plan than you think. What 


3i6 the young continentals 

would you say ’’ here he bent forward and 

whispered a few words in Sugden’s ear. 

What I ” almost cried the latter gentleman. 
‘‘ Is it possible ? 

“ Price tells me that it is a fact.^^ 

“ Why, then, in that case, we can even lose 
in the little affair of to-night, and still do no 
great harm.^^ 

In the face of this news,’^ smiled Tobias 
Hawkins, the armies of France can support 
the armies of Washington if they see fit. It 
will make little or no difference. But for all 
that, let us make doubly sure, and win over 
this young Frenchman, now that we have him 
so nearly in our hands. I have found, by 
long experience, that it is not good policy to 
miss a single point, even though one appar- 
ently does not need it.^^ 

The conversation continued, but in so low 
a key as to escape Ben’s ear. However, in a 
short time the other guests began to arrive, 
and when Lafayette, bubbling over with boy- 
ish good nature, finally put in an appearance, 
they entered the supper room and were soon 
doing the most complete justice to Mr. Claf- 
lin’s supper. 


LAFAYETTE 


317 

A better cook/' declared General Conway, 
none could find in all Pennsylvania." 

“ There is a scarcity of cooks in your coun- 
try, to be sure," said Lafayette, smilingly to 
General Gates. But our good host," bowing 
to that gentleman, “ seems to have found one, 
at least." 

After the camp, gentlemen," said Mr. 
Claflin, “ the food has an unaccustomed relish, 
that is all." 

An hour passed in laughter, toasting, jest 
and feasting. Young Lafayette seemed vastly 
delighted with everything ; and more than 
once Ben, through the transom curtains, saw 
Conway and Gates exchange meaning smiles. 
Then by degrees the conversation assumed a 
more sober hue ; the army, its condition and 
prospects became the subject. 

‘‘ Gentlemen," said General Gates, at 
length, since Congress saw fit to appoint me 
the head of the Board of War, I have con- 
ceived, as you all know, a project which, if it 
can be carried out successfully, will strike 
terror to the hearts of our enemies and at one 
blow put them at the defense. I refer to the 
conquest of Canada." 


3i8 the young continentals 

A storm of approval greeted this. 

Gates ! Gates I was the cry. “ A toast I 
A toast I 

But the general stayed them. 

We required a commander for this enter- 
prise/^ said he ; ‘‘ a commander of spirit, of 
dash and judgment. We looked about for 
such a one, and we had not far to look.'^ 

Again came the clatter of approval ; but 
once more Gates stopped them. 

There was but one such officer at hand,^* 
said the general, continuing, and to him the 
command was offered. I believe in encourag- 
ing genius — though to repress it seems more 
the practice in this army. Too long has this 
brilliant young soldier of whom I speak,^^ and 
his gaze went to Lafayette, ‘‘ been held in the 
background. Knowing the past as some of us 
do,” here his eyes went to Mifflin and Con- 
way, ” we realize the chagrin that must now 
fill the breast of one who seeks to keep all the 
glory for himself.” 

A thin hiss ran from lip to lip at this 
picture of official selfishness. Gates pro- 
ceeded : 

** The offer of the command of the Canadian 


LAFAYETTE 


3*9 


expedition was made the Marquis de Lafayette. 
And we now ask him whether he accepts or 
no.'’ 

Lafayette arose. 

“ I do accept,” he said. I accept with the 
utmost gratitude. The command is a most 
important one, and I shall do my utmost to 
bring it to success.” 

There was a chorus of cheers ; the con- 
spirators gathered about him, offering their 
congratulations. 

A toast I ” cried a voice. Gates I Gates 1 
A toast.” 

This time a number of others took up the 
cry. 

“ A toast, Marquis, a toast ! ” they de- 
manded. 

All eyes went from Lafayette to Gates. It 
was plain that the latter was the person to be 
toasted ; and he stood smilingly expectant. 
Lafayette lifted his hand. 

** Gentlemen,” said he, ** I see by the clock 
that the time which I had to give this de- 
lightful occasion is more than passed. I 
must make the first stage of the journey back 
to Valley Forge before daybreak.” 


320 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

“ A toast I A toast 1 ** cried the others. 

Very well,’^ said Lafayette. Charge 
your glasses, since you insist.” 

With a shout this was done ; and all stood 
with eyes upon the youthful Frenchman. 

“ Gentlemen,” said he, “ I give you the 
commander-in-chief of the American army — 
General Washington I ” 

A silence — pall-like and complete, fell upon 
all ; if a writing in letters of fire had appeared 
upon the wall their surprise could not have 
been more great. For a moment Lafayette 
stood regarding them, contempt plain in his 
eyes ; then he placed his glass upon the table, 
and said to Gates : 

General, I am yours to command when- 
ever my services are needed.” 

And with a formal salute, he turned and 
stalked from the room, leaving them speech- 
less with surprise. 


CHAPTER XXI 


IN WHICH THE BATTLE OF MONMOUTH IS 
LOST AND WON 

The winter at Valley Forge was one of 
untold suffering. When stout old Baron 
Steuben, one of Frederick the Great’s general 
officers, first saw the army of shoeless, naked 
and hungry men, he threw up his hands. 

'' Nefer,” he cried, in his broken English, 
** haf I seen such before I Nefer I If an 
army was half so wretched in Europe they 
would run away — noddings could hold them.’’ 

But in time things grew more bearable. 
Little by little the higher souls in Congress 
made their way against the spirit of intrigue. 
The enemies of Washington, after their failure 
with Lafayette, relaxed their efforts. Mifflin 
resigned his post as head of the commissariat 
and Washington’s tried friend, General Greene, 
succeeded him. Food and clothing began to 
be fairly plentiful ; the spirits of the troops 
rose accordingly. 

Baron Steuben also succeeded Conway as 
321 


322 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

inspector-general, and his constant labors on 
the drill ground soon began to bear fruit. 
From a wretched rabble, the regiments began 
to take on the aspect of discipline and training. 

Gates also suddenly fell to some degree in 
the favor of his friends in Congress ; and 
once more he was directed to journey north 
and take command of the army in that 
region. 

The surrender of Burgoyne had been the 
cause of the French cabinet’s concluding a 
treaty of alliance with the United States, and 
this in turn had been the means of strength- 
ening Washington’s hands in the manner 
mentioned above. 

“ It looks,” said Ezra Prentiss, ** as though 
the conspiracy were dead.” 

With Gates, Conway and Mifflin all de- 
clining in favor,” spoke his brother, George, 

it has that appearance, surely.” 

Nat Brewster was also of a similar opinion ; 
but Ben was not so sure. Only a little while 
before. General Charles Lee, for some time a 
prisoner in the hands of the British, had been 
exchanged for the English General Prescott, 
and when he saw this brilliant and erratic 


MONMOUTH 


323 

soldier warmly greeted by Washington and 
his officers, Ben’s heart somehow grew heavy 
with fear for the future. 

What if Conway and Mifflin and Gates 
were out of favor ? They were merely in- 
struments in the hands of the British, through 
the machinations of Tobias Hawkins. 

And Hawkins is still able to plot,’’ mused 
Ben. “ And that he is somewhere plotting 
and laying his snares is sure, for he is not 
the one to give up.” He paused for a little, 
staring straight before him, his mind in that 
curious state when it seems to have stopped 
Avorking, retaining a single picture of a single 
thing. Then his thoughts began to flow 
again. 

And that conversation between Hawkins 
and Sugden at Claflin’s that night I I would 
that I had heard more of it. They seemed 
to expect something from the exchange of 
General Lee. What, I wonder? Can it be 

possible that ” but this led to thoughts 

that could not be entertained, and so he 
banished the matter from his mind. 

A council of war held in the camp early in 
May had concluded that no blow was to be 


324 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

attempted against the British until some op- 
portunity presented itself that would insure 
success. Then Howe was recalled and Sir 
Henry Clinton took command of the British 
army at Philadelphia ; and not long after this 
signs were shown of an intention to evacuate 
the city. 

New York was thought to be the point 
aimed at ; Washington sent some brigades into 
the Jerseys to break bridges and otherwise 
harass Clinton, should this be the case, but 
the main body of his army remained in wait- 
ing to make sure of his enemy's movements. 

It was on the eighteenth of June that the 
British began their movement to a point be- 
low Philadelphia ; from there they crossed 
the Delaware into New Jersey. Immediately 
upon hearing this, Washington broke up his 
camp at Valley Forge ; sent Arnold, whose 
wounded leg did not permit his taking the 
field, with a strong force to occupy the city, 
and then pushed forward in pursuit of the 
enemy. 

The Americans crossed the Delaware a lit- 
tle later, not far from the point where they 
had crossed to attack the Hessians a year and 


MONMOUTH 


325 

a half before. Clinton was so slow in his 
movements that Washington suspected him of 
desiring to get the American force into the 
level country, then, by a rapid march, gain 
the heights, and so take them at a disadvan- 
tage. Another council of war was held ; Gen- 
eral Lee was for holding aloof and merely an- 
noying the enemy by detachments. As his 
military skill was highly regarded, he gained 
a majority of the officers to his way of think- 
ing ; and the command went forth that this 
st3de of warfare be begun. However, it was 
not at all in favor with the rank and file, and 
though they obeyed their officers readily 
enough, they were not at all backward in their 
criticisms. 

Are we a parcel of old women that we 
should be afraid to get near enough to the 
enemy to come to hand grasps with him?^' 
asked a stalwart sergeant of artillery. Ah, 
I wish, Molly, to a red-haired, freckle-faced 
young woman, that they had had you in the 
council instead of General Lee.^^ 

** Why, then,'' said Molly, whom Ben, who 
sat near by, at once recognized as the Molly 
Hayes he had seen perform so creditably at 


326 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

the Crossed Keys, if I had it’s after old Clin- 
ton we’d a-been long ago. Sure it’s in the 
arms of our lads to give him and his redcoats 
a trouncing, so it is, and I’m for giving it to 
them while we have the chance.” 

“ Bravo, Molly Pitcher,” cried a soldier. 
** Good for you.” 

I’m obliged to you for agreeing with me,” 
said Molly, dropping the speaker a satirical 
courtesy. But I’d thank you, soldier, not 
to call me out of my name, which is Molly 
Hayes, and not Molly Pitcher.” 

Your pitcher, Molly,” stated her husband, 
the sergeant of artillery, is welcome enough 
when the lads are thirsty and you bring it to 
them full of cool water. So what harm if 
they do name you after it? It’s proud you 
should be.” 

Sorra the bit do I mind it,” said Molly to 
Ben, a little later. “ But it becomes a la'dy 
not to allow them too much familiarity, so it 
do.” 

Generals Wa3me, Greene and Lafayette had 
all been of the same opinion as to the proper 
means of distressing the enemy. In spite of 
the confidently expressed opinions of Lee they 



’’QRAVO. MOLLY PITCHER! 


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MONMOUTH 


327 

believed that the rear of the British should be 
attacked by a heavy force, while the main 
army should be held ready to give general 
battle. Washington held the same opinion 
and shortly afterward set about carrying it 
out. He was no longer in doubt as to Clin- 
ton's route ; the British were on the road 
through Freehold, meaning to embark at 
Sandy Hook. 

As Lee was opposed to all attack, Washing- 
ton, at Lafayette's eager solicitation, gave 
command of the advance to that gallant young 
man. 

** But," said the commander-in-chief, “ the 
command is rightfully Lee's. However, if he 
has no objection, you may have it." 

Ben carried the request to General Lee. 
The latter's face when he read the message was 
a study to the speculative eyes of the boy. 

Imbeciles ! " muttered Lee, who was noted 
for his bluntness of speech as well as oddities 
of character. But let them have their way." 

He wrote a reply stating that he willingly 
relinquished command of the advance. Ben 
placed this in his belt, saluted and darted out 
to his horse. But he had barely gathered up 


328 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

the reins when he heard the ring of hoofs al- 
most beside him, and glancing around he saw 
the strong face of Tobias Hawkins. 

For a moment the man looked into the 
boy’s face ; and the boy returned the gaze 
steadily. 

Ah,” said Hawkins, at last, ** so I see you 
here, Master Cooper.” 

Ben nodded, smilingly. 

Are you surprised ? Surely you knew 
that your plans at Rising Sun and at the 
Crossed Keys both failed.” 

A sour smile crossed the man’s face, but his 
hard eyes did not smile. 

“ I don’t think I quite understand,” said he. 

But, then, you are difficult to understand at 
best. However,” and there was a low menace 
in his tone, ** I may come to understand you 
yet. And, mayhap, the understanding is not 
far away.” 

Ben saluted smilingly, shook his rein and 
galloped away ; but at some little distance he 
turned in his saddle and looked back. Haw- 
kins had dismounted before General Lee’s tent 
and was at that moment upon the point of 
entering. At this the lad caught his breath 


MONMOUTH 


329 

sharply. The suspicions aroused by the words 
he had heard pass between Hawkins and 
Sugden at Claflin's returned to him with a 
rush. 

“ What if, after all, it should be so?^^ was 
his thought. 

‘‘What if but here another thought 

occurred to him. “ It makes no difference 
just now, at any rate,” he continued. “ Gen- 
eral Lafayette is to have command of the 
advance.” 

He delivered Lee's message at headquarters 
in all haste ; but the delighted young French- 
man had scarcely rushed away to assume his 
post than a horseman dismounted before the 
tent of the commander-in-chief and was shown 
in. Ben was lingering about under instruc- 
tions to wait, as there would probably be work 
for him ; and he heard the rider announce : 

“ From General Lee.” 

Washington at once broke the seal ; and as 
he read the paper, a cloud overspread his face, 
his heavy brows came together in a frown, 
and he turned to General Greene. 

“ Lee has altered his mind,” said he. 

You don't mean that he now wants the 


330 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

command, after it^s given to another?” asked 
the astonished Greene. 

'' Just so.” 

At this a quick shock seemed to strike at 
Ben Cooper’s heart. If General Lee was a 
traitor — and the words of Hawkins made him 
think so in spite of himself — what an oppor- 
tunity this was to play into the hands of 
the British ; what an opportunity it was to 
deal the cause of liberty a blow from which it 
might never recover. 

“ It may be,” was the lad’s instant thought, 
“ that Hawkins has had something to do with 
this change of mind on the part of General 
Lee. Irritated that his advice was not 
being followed, the general, who is notoriously 
testy, agreed to having Lafayette in command 
of the advance. But no sooner had I gone 
with this answer, than Hawkins arrived and 
pointed out that this course was a mistake for 
one in the pay of the British government, 
and so instantly Lee altered his mind.” 

“This situation,” said General Washington, 
“ is a most perplexing one. I do not see how 
I can agree to Lee’s altered fancy without 
grievously wounding the feelings of Lafayette.” 


MONMOUTH 


331 

But it developed that this could be done 
without any difficulty. A sudden altering of 
Clinton’s plans, which threw the weight of 
British power into the rear under Cornwallis, 
made it necessary for General Washington to 
send a reinforcement to his advance. The 
brigades of Varnum and Scott were sent under 
the headship of General Lee, and he, being 
senior officer, was in this way placed in com- 
mand of the whole advance. 

That night the British encamped near 
Monmouth Court House, while the Americans 
under Lee lay at Englishtown, five miles 
away. Washington and the main body were 
three miles to the rear of the advance. 

At sundown Washington rode forward ; his 
practiced eye told him that the British position 
was an awkward one to attack ; but if they 
were allowed to proceed a dozen miles further 
their position would be stronger still, for the 
heights of Middletown would greatly favor 
them. In consequence he made up his mind 
to attack at dawn. His orders were given to 
Lee in the presence of officers. 

“ Make 3mur disposition for an attack,” said 
Washington. “ Keep your men lying on 


332 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

their arms ; be ready for action at the shortest 
notice.” 

The commander-in-chief then rode back to 
the main body, and during the remainder of 
the night was busy with preparations for the 
coming struggle. At sunrise, Ben Cooper, 
who had remained during the night with the 
advance, brought news that the British were 
in motion. By another rider General Wash- 
ington sent a command to Lee to advance and 
attack, saying that he was coming on rapidly 
to support him. Then the main army was 
ordered to discard its blankets, knapsacks and 
other heavy equipment so that its progress 
should not be retarded. 

The Hessian commander, Knyphausen, had 
charge of the British advance, which included 
all the baggage. And in the early morning 
while he slowly made his way into the valley 
between Monmouth and Middletown, Clinton 
with the fighting men held the camp on the 
heights of Freehold. This body did not move 
from the latter position until after eight in 
the morning, when they also took up the line 
of march through Middletown. 

It was a region covered by wood and morass, 


MONMOUTH 


333 

and General Lee had no great opportunity to 
reconnoiter the enemy; seeing Clinton’s army 
on its march, he told his officers it was only a 
detachment. Ordering Wayne with a body 
of infantry and a few pieces of artillery to 
skirmish in the rear, he set out with the re- 
mainder of his force to, as he said, head the de- 
tachment off. At the same time he sent a rider 
to Washington telling him of the movement 
and adding that he was confident of success. 

The army under Washington was making 
excellent time; as they reached Freehold 
church a cannon boomed in the distance, 
telling them that the fight had opened. At 
once the command was given to quicken 
the advance. Washington, with his officers 
grouped about him, was giving his final in- 
structions. Ben Cooper and the other young 
riders were within call, ready and eager to 
bear any messages that might need sending. 
The commander-in-chief had just finished his 
orders to Greene who was to push on with a 
division along a side road and so flank the 
enemy, when a farmer mounted upon a plough 
horse rode up, wild-eyed and scarcelj^ able to 
speak. 


334 the young CONTINENTALS 

They are retreating 1 he cried. 

** Who? demanded some one. 

Oar army ; and the British are after 
them ! ” 

Washington, who stood by the side of his 
great white horse, turned an angry face upon 
the man. 

“ What, sir,^^ demanded he, **do you dare 
bring us a false report at such a time? 

Tm telling the truth I ” gasped the man, 
his hands tossing in protest. ^‘See, there; 
he’ll tell you the same.” 

As he spoke he pointed to a small man in 
an American uniform, who held a fife in his 
hand, and had at that moment dashed breath- 
lessly up. 

All’s lost,” he said. We’ve been driven 
back.” 

A swift command, and the fifer was in the 
custody of Nat Brewster and Ezra Prentiss. 

Don’t let him speak to any one,” was the 
order. ** He might spread a panic among the 
men.” 

Washington mounted, and the officers 
spurred forward. In a little while a scatter- 
ing of running men were met upon the road ; 


MONMOUTH 


335 


then small bodies. Finally complete com- 
mands were encountered. Some officers were 
now ordered forward to find out the meaning 
of the thing ; dashing past Freehold Meeting 
House, Washington came upon Grayson’s and 
Patton’s regiments in full retreat and badly 
disordered. Then came other commands. 

“ Sir,” demanded Washington of Colonel 
Shreve, who rode at the head of his own regi- 
ment, “ is the entire advance party falling 
back?” 

Colonel Shreve smiled significantly. 

‘‘General, I believe it is. And under the 
orders of General Lee.” 

“ And,” declared Major Howard of the same 
command, “ I never saw the like. It’s cow- 
ardice.” 

“ We are running from a shadow,” cried 
another officer, hotly. “ The most of us 
never even caught sight of the enemy.” 

Though he had been close to Washington 
since the opening of the war, Ben Cooper had 
never seen him angry until now. As the 
remainder of the advance now came up, the 
commander-in-chief rode up to General Lee, 
who came with it. 


336 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

General Lee, what is the meaning of 
this ? cried Washington, his face white with 
fury. 

Lee flushed and seemed unable to answer. 

Can you not speak? ” demanded Washing- 
ton. I desire to know the meaning of this 
disorder and confusion 1 

Lee’s naturally irascible nature here as- 
serted itself, and he made a stinging reply. 

“ You asked for the command, sir,” said 
Washington. “ Why did you do so unless 
you desired to fight the enemy ? ” 

For an instant it was upon Ben Cooper’s 
tongue to ride forward and tell what he knew. 

“ But no, no,” he said to himself. 1 
know but little, and am sure of nothing. I 
had best be silent.” 

Though he was deeply exasperated at the 
conduct of General Lee, Washington did not 
lose sight of the fact that the enemy were 
close upon him. 

“ They are only fifteen minutes away,” re- 
ported George Prentiss who, from a height, 
had been observing them. 

The place where Washington had stopped 
the retreat, as it happened, was highly favor- 


MONMOUTH 


337 


able for a stand. With eagle glance, Wash- 
ington saw this, and the command was posted 
upon a hill, the only approach to which was 
over a narrow causeway. To the left of this 
eminence, Stewart and Ramsey’s batteries 
were planted in a woody covert. Upon 
another hill, there were two guns stationed 
under Colonel Oswald. With all the hurry 
and excitement of the moment, the difterent 
bodies of troops moved with the precision of 
machines. 

When all was ready Washington once more 
rode up to Lee. 

Will you retain this command, sir?” he 
asked. 

It is all one to me, sir, where I com- 
mand,” replied Lee. 

I shall expect you to take proper measures 
for checking the enemy,” said Washington. 

Your orders shall be obeyed,” returned 
Lee. shall be the last to leave the 
ground.” 

The guns from the woods on the left and 
from the hilltop had begun to speak, and the 
British were brought to a halt. Washington 
rode back and brought on the main body, 


338 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

which he formed upon a hill with thick woods 
at its back and a swamp to the front. Sterling 
had the left wing and Greene the right. 

This time the command of Lee fought 
stubbornly. Then, at last, he was obliged to 
fall back, which he did in an orderly manner 
upon the left. 

Ben was with Greeners division upon the 
right, having been sent there with some orders. 
From this position he saw the batteries of 
General Sterling open upon the British and 
force them back ; there was a pause, then the 
enemy came driving upon the position of 
Greene. But here the artillery of Knox met 
them with its thunder. In the face of it the 
invaders came on ; smoke was ascending in 
choking clouds, but through it the red coats 
and gleaming brass and steel of the British 
could be seen. Their musket balls pattered 
among the artillerymen like rain, and sud- 
denly Ben saw a stalwart sergeant throw up 
his hands and fall. There was a shriek ; a 
figure with streaming red hair rushed to his 
side and sank to her knees beside him. 

It^s Sergeant Hayes that’s down,” reported 
one of the men. 


MONMOUTH 


339 


Take him to the rear,” was the order. 

“ I’m not badly hurt, Molly,” said Hayes to 
his wife. ‘‘ So don’t cry about me.” 

You are sure ? ” said she. 

‘‘ It’s only a scratch,” said the sergeant with 
a smile as he was placed on a litter. 

Another man, there, to Hayes’ place,” 
came the order. 

As she stood watching the litter being borne 
to the rear Molly Hayes heard these words. 

What ! ” she cried, whirling about, an- 
other man to that gun I ” pointing to the 
piece at which her husband had fallen. 

Faith, then, there’s no need of it. That big- 
throated roarer is one of the family, so it is, 
and if one of us isn’t able to attend to it, the 
other must.” 

And with that she seized a ramrod and 
thrust it into the smoking maw of the cannon ; 
as brave as the bravest she worked away amid 
the musket shot of the British, never heeding 
them as they came plunging upon the battery. 

What a virago I ” Ben heard a voice say 
some little distance in his rear, and turning 
swiftly in his saddle he recognized Tobias 
Hawkins. 


340 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

I wish there were more like her/^ spoke 
the officer to whom the remark had been 
addressed. And now, sir, let me again 
request you to go to the rear.’^ 

“ I am sorry to have intruded, said Tobias 
Hawkins, as he turned his horse’s head. The 
fact is that I have a message of an important 
and private nature for an officer whom I ex- 
pected to see here.’^ 

Here the British fell back before the deadly 
fire of Knox’s guns ; and Ben Cooper as he 
turned away had a last vision of Molly Hayes, 
her mass of red hair tossing in the wind, 
wildly cheering with the men ; then the boy 
rode after Tobias Hawkins. 

As it chanced the man had taken a direction 
across a stretch which had been only a short 
time ago swept by the fire of General Wayne’s 
command which lay concealed in an orchard 
not far away. Before it was a command of 
British being drawn up as though preparing 
to make an attack. Ben glanced here and 
there, .but there was no sign of the Americans. 

“ They must have retreated,” thought the 
boy. 

Hearing the hoof-beats in his rear, Hawkins 


MONMOUTH 


341 

turned ; and an evil smile overspread his face 
at sight of Ben. 

Once more,” said he, “ it is you.” 

** It is,” smiled Ben. ‘‘ I saw you back 
there by Knox’s battery, and heard what you 
said regarding a private message for a friend.” 

“ Ah,” said Tobias Hawkins, you did ? ” 

‘‘ I did,” nodded the boy, ‘‘ and I rode after 
you to say that if the friend is General Lee 
you will find him somewhere on the left, as I 
saw him ” 

He had just gotten this far when Hawkins 
drew a pistol and lifted it. But just then a 
sheeted volley leaped from the orchard and 
he sank to the ground. And as he did so, 
Ben Cooper’s horse reared and piunged ; the 
lad fell from the saddle and lay like one dead, 
while over him swept the charging division of 
Monckton with leveled bayonets to dislodge 
the command of General Wayne. 

It was well toward noon next day when 
Ben Cooper was able to get upon his feet ; 
and then, surrounded by his anxious friends, 
he made his way to the scene of yesterday’s 
mishap. 


342 THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS 

Wayne must have been waiting for the 
British/’ said Ezra. And as they charged 
just as you got in line, you had to take your 
chance. It’s lucky you weren’t killed.” 

Ben touched the bandage around his head 
and smiled. 

Did Wayne drive them back? ” he asked. 

He did. And before much else could be 
done, darkness came on. We were all under 
arms at daybreak ; but the enemy had gone 
— ran away in the night,” 

** Ran away I ” Ben smiled once more. 
** From now on he’ll be used to that. With the 
armies and fleets of France to aid him, General 
Washington will give him plenty of practice.” 

What’s that ? ” asked the Porcupine, his 
eyes upon a small group beside a gun. 

There stood a cheering, laughing cluster of 
young officers ; then there was Molly Hayes 
in the midst of them, standing at salute, while 
before her was General Washington himself. 
The boys approached through the lines of men 
who, with litters, were bearing off the dead 
from the field, and were just in time to hear 
the commander-in-chief say : 

** Your bravery. Mistress Hayes, was equal 


MONMOUTH 


343 


to that of any man in the army. You served 
your gun gallantly, and in the name of Con- 
gress I thank you. My only regret is that I 
can do nothing more.^^ 

You can, general, asthore,” cried a voice 
from the rear, a voice which Ben at once rec- 
ognized as that of Paddy Burk. Now that 
her husband is wounded, make her a sergeant 
in his place.’' 

The grave-faced commander-in-chief smiled 
at the suggestion. 

“ An excellent notion ; and from this time 
on. Mistress Hayes, you are a sergeant in the 
service of the United States, with the pay of 
such and all the other things that such rank 
demands.” 

There was a chorus of cheers at this, and 
Molly Hayes, with cheeks stained crimson 
and eyes shining, once more saluted with 
proper military stiffness. And just then a 
litter holding a body came up and Ben, as he 
stepped aside to permit its passage, had a view 
of the face. 

She earned it,” said Nat Brewster, who 
had heard the story of Molly’s courage. “ And 
she’s deserved all she’s got.” 


344 the young CONTINENTALS 

' Ben turned away from the litter, and a 
shudder ran through him. But, though he 
closed his eyes, he could not shut out the cold, 
white, dead face of Tobias Hawkins. 

There are more than she who have re- 
ceived what they deserved,’’ said he, in a low 
voice. 


Other Stories in this Series are : 

THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS AT LEXINGTON 
THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS AT BUNKER HILL 
THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS AT TRENTON 


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